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.

IV 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 solu- tion 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 constitu- tional 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, en- sures lasting comity between our nations and continued trade and diplomatic relations; VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 Jun 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR471.IH HR471 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 471 IH 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 secu- rity implications for the United States and the region; Whereas the assassination of President Jovenel Moı¨se 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 crimi- nal gangs with strong political connections; Whereas the resulting dire economic situation is affecting most directly the most impoverished and vulnerable citi- zens, including children; Whereas the international community’s immediate humani- tarian and economic responses will only marginally ad- dress the underlying factors behind the collapse of gov- ernance 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 mi- gration surge at the United States southern border; Whereas the current stalemate among Haiti’s principal actors is no longer viable; and VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 Jun 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR471.IH HR471 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 471 IH Whereas the most immediate needs in Haiti are citizen secu- rity and a consensus roadmap for policymakers in Haiti with the support of the international community, that re- sponds to the current crisis: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) urges the redoubling of diplomatic efforts 2 by the United States and international partners to 3 help achieve a negotiated, Haitian-led solution to the 4 current impasse in Haiti leading to the establish- 5 ment of a broadly representative interim govern- 6 ment; 7 (2) calls for the expansion of individual sanc- 8 tions against any Haitian political actor or private 9 sector individual with ties to violence, particularly 10 the financing and directing of gangs; 11 (3) supports the review and revision of all 12 United States assistance programs to the Haitian 13 National Police to enhance their capability to im- 14 prove citizen security by neutralizing Haitian gangs; 15 (4) calls for stronger action from the relevant 16 United States agencies to address illegal arms traf- 17 ficking and illicit financial flows that are sustaining 18 the current crisis in Haiti; and 19 VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 Jun 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR471.IH HR471 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 4 •HRES 471 IH (5) encourages the Senate to swiftly confirm a 1 new ambassador to Haiti to serve as a key interloc- 2 utor between the various parties. 3 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 Jun 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR471.IH HR471 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS