[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 471 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 471

 Calling for the redoubling of diplomatic efforts by the United States 
 and its international partners to help achieve a negotiated, Haitian-
  led solution to the current impasse in Haiti that paves the way for 
  broadly representative interim government to oversee the return to 
          constitutional rule through free and fair elections.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              June 6, 2023

  Mr. Lawler (for himself, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Salazar, Ms. 
  Kamlager-Dove, and Mr. Gimenez) submitted the following resolution; 
         which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Calling for the redoubling of diplomatic efforts by the United States 
 and its international partners to help achieve a negotiated, Haitian-
  led solution to the current impasse in Haiti that paves the way for 
  broadly representative interim government to oversee the return to 
          constitutional rule through free and fair elections.

Whereas the close proximity of Haiti to the shores of the United States, in 
        conjunction with the common bond of mutual values, family, and 
        commitment to democracy, ensures lasting comity between our nations and 
        continued trade and diplomatic relations;
Whereas over 1,000,000 persons of Haitian descent live throughout the United 
        States and contribute to social, economic, cultural, and political life 
        in the United States;
Whereas Haiti's stability has significant economic and security implications for 
        the United States and the region;
Whereas the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 has only 
        accelerated Haiti's spiral of unprecedented political and economic 
        instability;
Whereas the current caretaker government of Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry is 
        being run extra-constitutionally with a non-functioning Parliament and 
        few viable public institutions;
Whereas Haitians need to be able to choose their government through free and 
        fair elections;
Whereas citizen security in Haiti is virtually non-existent, with half of the 
        country living under the control of criminal gangs with strong political 
        connections;
Whereas the resulting dire economic situation is affecting most directly the 
        most impoverished and vulnerable citizens, including children;
Whereas the international community's immediate humanitarian and economic 
        responses will only marginally address the underlying factors behind the 
        collapse of governance in Haiti;
Whereas the current crisis has led to increased outflow of desperate Haitians 
        making the dangerous trek through South and Central America and 
        contributing to the migration surge at the United States southern 
        border;
Whereas the current stalemate among Haiti's principal actors is no longer 
        viable; and
Whereas the most immediate needs in Haiti are citizen security and a consensus 
        roadmap for policymakers in Haiti with the support of the international 
        community, that responds to the current crisis: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) urges the redoubling of diplomatic efforts by the 
        United States and international partners to help achieve a 
        negotiated, Haitian-led solution to the current impasse in 
        Haiti leading to the establishment of a broadly representative 
        interim government;
            (2) calls for the expansion of individual sanctions against 
        any Haitian political actor or private sector individual with 
        ties to violence, particularly the financing and directing of 
        gangs;
            (3) supports the review and revision of all United States 
        assistance programs to the Haitian National Police to enhance 
        their capability to improve citizen security by neutralizing 
        Haitian gangs;
            (4) calls for stronger action from the relevant United 
        States agencies to address illegal arms trafficking and illicit 
        financial flows that are sustaining the current crisis in 
        Haiti; and
            (5) encourages the Senate to swiftly confirm a new 
        ambassador to Haiti to serve as a key interlocutor between the 
        various parties.
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