Support a Development Plan for Haiti

Urge your representative to co-sponsor the Haiti Empowerment, Assistance and Rebuilding (HEAR) Act (H.R. 6021).

Background: Eight months have passed since the devastating earthquake in Haiti and progress toward development and reconstruction remains slow. More than 1.5 million people are still living in camps and makeshift shelters in and around Port-au-Prince. U.S. development efforts in Haiti need a plan and a framework that promotes sustainable long term development.

The Haiti Empowerment, Assistance and Rebuilding (HEAR) Act has been introduced in the Senate by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Robert Corker (R-TN) and in the House by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). The HEAR Act articulates U.S. priorities for aid to Haiti and sets up benchmarks for success. It also includes a transparent reporting and accountability system so both U.S. taxpayers and Haitians can see where money is going and whether or not it is achieving the desired impact. The bill also includes provisions for strengthening Haitian civil society voices and for ensuring that the Haitian government and the people of Haiti are at the center of development efforts.

The Senate version was marked up and passed by the Foreign Relations Committee but the bill in the House needs more co-sponsors.

Click here for a summary of the HEAR Act.

Faith Reflection: Scripture calls us to live in genuine respect and love for our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). On a recent trip to Haiti, MCC staff from Washington, New York and Ottawa heard from MCC partners that they desire a mutual relationship with the U.S. and the rest of the world even though past history has been one of colonialism and meddling in Haitian affairs. Love for our neighbors in Haiti includes a genuine plan and framework for long term U.S. development efforts.

Action: Urge your representative to co-sponsor the HEAR Act (H.R. 6021). Click to send a message to your representative.

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Alert prepared by Theo Sitther, Legislative Associate for International Affairs.