SAK PASE in Haiti Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 4286

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-07-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-07-30T12:52:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Strategy to Address Key Priorities Affecting Security and Empowerment in Haiti Act of 2025" (or "SAK PASE in Haiti Act of 2025"), aims to require the U.S. Department of State to create and implement a detailed plan to address Haiti's ongoing security, economic, political, and humanitarian crises. It emphasizes countering gang violence, promoting stability, and supporting solutions led by Haitians themselves, while aligning with U.S. national security interests.

Key Provisions

• Sense of Congress: Expresses that the U.S. has a vital interest in resolving Haiti's crises; views gangs as a regional threat; requires secure conditions and civil society involvement for democratic processes; and stresses that solutions must be Haitian-led with broad local support.

• Required Strategy: The Secretary of State must submit a comprehensive strategy to congressional committees within 90 days of enactment. Key elements include:
• Bolstering Security: Assess support for Haiti's National Police, Armed Forces, the Multinational Security Support Mission (an international effort to aid Haitian security), and other forces against gangs; coordinate with allies like the European Union, Canada, and CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) countries; evaluate the Multinational Security Support mission and potential UN peacekeeping (long-term operations to maintain peace); explore reintegrating former gang members into society; and ensure safe operations for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such as humanitarian and faith-based groups.
• Addressing Illicit Support for Gangs: Evaluate resources needed for stability and coordinate with Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (temporary leadership body) and Interim Prime Minister to develop plans against gang funding, arms flows, and political support, aiming to restore governance and the rule of law (legal system ensuring fair application of laws).
• Expanding Economic Opportunities: Assess impacts of U.S. sanctions (restrictions on entities or individuals) and foreign terrorist designations on humanitarian aid delivery; review challenges in attracting private investment; and promote programs like Haiti HOPE/HELP (U.S. trade initiatives to boost Haitian exports and jobs).
• Supporting Haitian-Led Solutions: Partner closely with Haitian civil society (community groups and activists) and transitional leaders.

• Consultations: The strategy must involve input from U.S. entities like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (agency promoting development investments), USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development, focused on foreign aid), the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency; U.S.-based private companies operating in Haiti; and Haitian NGOs and civil society.

• Reporting Requirements: Within 120 days of the strategy's submission, and annually for five years, the Secretary must report to Congress on implementation progress, including updates on consultations with Haitian stakeholders, coordination with international partners on sanctions and aid, and metrics (measurable indicators) to evaluate security support effectiveness.

• Definitions: Specifies "appropriate congressional committees" as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandates without directly amending prior laws. It creates a fresh requirement for a holistic U.S. strategy on Haiti, including mandatory consultations, assessments of ongoing programs (e.g., Multinational Security Support and Haiti HOPE/HELP), and multi-year reporting. Previously, U.S. Haiti policy has been addressed through appropriations or resolutions, but this formalizes a coordinated, ongoing approach focused on Haitian leadership and gang threats.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of State will face increased administrative burdens to develop, consult on, and report the strategy, potentially requiring additional resources and interagency coordination (e.g., with USAID and trade agencies). This could enhance U.S. foreign policy efficiency in the Caribbean.

• Citizens: Haitians may benefit from improved security, reduced gang violence, better humanitarian aid access, and economic growth through job-creating programs, fostering stability and democratic participation. U.S. citizens could see indirect gains via reduced regional migration pressures and stronger national security.

• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with allies (e.g., Canada, EU, CARICOM) through joint security and aid efforts; promotes collaboration with the UN on peacekeeping; and signals U.S. commitment to Haitian self-determination, potentially influencing regional stability in the Americas and countering influences from gang funders abroad.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: Department of State (lead implementer), USAID, U.S. Development Finance Corporation, U.S. Trade Representative, and congressional foreign affairs committees (oversight role).
• Haitian Entities: Transitional Presidential Council, Interim Prime Minister, National Police, Armed Forces, civil society, NGOs, and citizens facing violence and instability.
• International Partners: UN, Multinational Security Support Mission participants, EU, Canada, CARICOM nations, and other allies providing security or aid.
• Private Sector and NGOs: U.S.-based companies in Haiti (for economic input), humanitarian/faith-based organizations (for operational safety), and private investors (affected by sanctions and mobilization challenges).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes enforceable deadlines and reporting obligations on the executive branch, allowing Congress to monitor compliance; integrates existing tools like sanctions and trade programs into a unified framework without creating new enforcement mechanisms.

• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and appropriations (Article I, Section 8), enabling oversight of executive foreign policy without infringing on presidential authority.

• Political: Reinforces bipartisan U.S. interest in Haiti (introduced by Reps. Meeks and Murphy from both parties), prioritizing non-interventionist, Haitian-led approaches to avoid perceptions of U.S. overreach; could influence future aid budgets and diplomatic negotiations, highlighting gang violence as a hemispheric security issue.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-07-02: Introduced in House
• 2025-07-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Strategy to Address Key Priorities Affecting Security and Empowerment in Haiti Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-02 — PDF (6 pages)