WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) delivered the following statement during debate in the U.S. House of Representatives on legislation to prevent a government shutdown and reauthorize the African Growth and Opportunity Act, Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act, and Haiti Economic Lift Program Act: 

As prepared for delivery.

“I rise in support of this legislation, which not only prevents another government shutdown, but also includes legislation passed by the Ways and Means Committee and the House to reauthorize trade policies that are vital to our nation’s economy and national security. 

“For over two decades, the African Growth and Opportunity Act has been the foundation of America’s trade relationship with the nations of sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA promotes greater economic stability and opportunity across Africa while advancing America’s strategic and national security interests — including access to critical minerals and more secure supply chains that are not beholden to Communist China. 

“Africa is home to approximately 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral resources. Strengthening our trade relationship with Africa ensures we do not surrender those critical minerals to China. 

“China has invested $8 to $10 billion in Africa and is seeking to monopolize that entire market to dominate future technological innovation and achieve military superiority. We cannot let that happen. 

“This bill also reauthorizes the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act – known as HOPE and HELP. These programs provide trade preferences for textile and apparel products from Haiti and encourage greater stability in a nation less than 600 miles away from the Florida coast that has long suffered political and economic upheaval. Greater stability in Haiti means fewer regional security concerns for the United States.

“Earlier this year, we reauthorized both these vital agreements for one additional year. Today’s legislation ensures both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP will be in effect through the end of 2028, which will give our committee and stakeholders interested in these vital programs time to consider reforms and update them to ensure they continue to advance U.S. interests.”