Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Applauds U.S. House Passage of Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Applauds U.S. House Passage of Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act
July 25, 2023
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C –  Today, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act (H.R. 1684). In March, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the bipartisan legislation with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), and Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Chairwoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL). 

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act would require the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in Haiti. The act would also impose sanctions on parties involved in such criminal activities.

“As a leading voice on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, I was proud to help introduce this bipartisan and bicameral legislation alongside my colleagues. Armed criminal gangs continue to wreak havoc across Haiti, fanning the flames of a worsening humanitarian crisis, and leading many to fear for their safety,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “By shining a light on the connection between these violent criminal enterprises and corrupt political and economic leaders, this critical legislation will better address the chaos that has engulfed Haiti.”

Haiti has seen an exponential surge in gang violence following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. According to the United Nations, rapes, sniper killings, and kidnappings have become daily threats due to the rapid increase in gang activity throughout the country. Compared to the first quarter of 2022, criminal incidents in Haiti more than doubled in the same period in 2023.

“Haiti’s problems should be solved by Haitians, but Haiti lacks the necessary tools to address this ever-worsening chaos. It’s our responsibility as neighbors and allies of Haiti, as Americans, to help Haiti strengthen its institutions and preserve the rule of law,” added Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. 

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick ― the only Haitian American Member in Congress ― proudly serves as co-chair of the Haiti Caucus and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Haiti Working Group.