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IV
116TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 619
Expressing support for the Haitian people and their Constitution, rule of
law, and commitment to democratic principles.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OCTOBER 8, 2019
Mr. KING of Iowa submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the Haitian people and their Con-
stitution, rule of law, and commitment to democratic
principles.
Whereas, for the second time this year, the President of the
Republic of Haiti has nominated a new head of Govern-
ment (a Prime Minister) along with a cabinet, while con-
sulting with the presidents of both chambers of the Par-
liament, in accordance with the Constitution of Haiti;
Whereas in order to get sworn in, the Prime Minister has to
get his general political plan approved by a simple major-
ity in each of the two chambers of Parliament;
Whereas the lower chamber has approved that general polit-
ical plan on September 3, 2019, with a majority vote;
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•HRES 619 IH
Whereas, on September 11, 2019, the Senate was to hold a
session to hear the general political plan of Mr. Michel,
where the Senators needed to approve or reject it in
order to form a government;
Whereas the Parliament was vandalized for the second time
this year to prevent the session from happening;
Whereas these individuals intended to intimidate and create
a chaotic environment;
Whereas without a new functioning government, a budget
cannot be passed, midterm elections cannot be organized,
new agreements with international financial institutions
(such as the International Monetary Fund and the Inter-
American Development Bank) cannot be finalized, and
many urgent matters cannot be addressed;
Whereas in January of 2020, the term for the entire lower
chamber and 2⁄3 of the Senate will expire, and the Presi-
dent could then rule by decree; and
Whereas democracy in Haiti is in peril because of the actions
of a few, which affect the short-term and long-term inter-
ests of all Haitians: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
1
(1) condemns on a bipartisan basis the violence
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inside the Senate of Haiti on September 11, 2019,
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for disrupting constitutional process and the rule of
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law;
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(2) expresses support for the Haitian people
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and their Constitution, rule of law, and commitment
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to democratic principles;
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•HRES 619 IH
(3) supports a peaceful vote in the Senate of
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Haiti, in accordance with the Constitution of Haiti
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and institutional norms, leading to an inclusive solu-
3
tion for the betterment of all Haitians;
4
(4) reaffirms the strength of the United States-
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Haiti partnership;
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(5) calls for sustained United States support, as
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well as that of Haiti’s other allies and friends
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around the world, in order for Haiti to realize a
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thriving, free society;
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(6) commends Haiti for its vote to address the
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threats to peace and democracy in the Americas
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posed by the former Maduro regime at a meeting of
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states party to the Inter-American Treaty of Recip-
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rocal Assistance (TIAR);
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(7) thanks Haiti for serving as Vice President
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of the TIAR Organ of Consultation; and
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(8) encourages an improved investment climate
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in Haiti to spur private sector-led growth.
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Æ
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