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L’Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-1114| House 
| Updated: 2/7/2025
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Democratic Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (10)
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The L'Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025 seeks to establish a Haitian American Enterprise Fund to significantly boost Haiti's economic development. Its core purposes include promoting the growth of the Haitian private sector, particularly micro, small, and medium businesses, and fostering an economic environment that supports an accountable, transparent, and sustained democratic system of governance. The bill also aims to create conditions for an industrialized Haiti, ensuring full employment levels and reducing irregular migration, which is identified as a United States national security concern. The President is authorized to designate a private, nonprofit organization as the Enterprise Fund, which will be operated by the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation. An Oversight Panel of nine members, including U.S. and Haitian citizens with relevant expertise, will monitor the fund. Importantly, the Enterprise Fund is designed to operate as a private entity, not an agency of the United States Government. The fund's investments will target programs and projects that promote Haitian private sector development through various financial instruments such as equity investments, grants, loans, and technical assistance . Key sectors for investment include agriculture, construction, energy, manufacturing, and tourism, with a focus on building resilient physical infrastructure like reliable electricity, roads, and water systems. The fund will prioritize industries identified by the Government of Haiti for economic recovery and growth, while also considering human rights, environmental factors, and commercial viability. To finance these initiatives, the bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, with funds remaining available until expended. The Enterprise Fund can also use returns on its investments and solicit private venture capital. Strict accountability measures are in place, including annual independent private audits and Government Accountability Office audits, along with comprehensive recordkeeping and regular reports to Congress and the public on the fund's activities and financial health. The United States policy outlined in the bill emphasizes supporting Haiti's sustainable rebuilding, recognizing its independence and sovereignty, and assisting in restoring democratic governance through Haitian-led solutions. It also focuses on improving Haiti's security by supporting the Haitian National Police and stemming illicit firearms trafficking, addressing humanitarian needs, and fostering economic development. The Enterprise Fund is mandated to terminate by December 31, 2031, at which point it must repay the full amount of funds received from the U.S. Government to the Treasury.
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Timeline
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 7, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • February 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 7, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

International Affairs

L’Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-1114| House 
| Updated: 2/7/2025
The L'Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025 seeks to establish a Haitian American Enterprise Fund to significantly boost Haiti's economic development. Its core purposes include promoting the growth of the Haitian private sector, particularly micro, small, and medium businesses, and fostering an economic environment that supports an accountable, transparent, and sustained democratic system of governance. The bill also aims to create conditions for an industrialized Haiti, ensuring full employment levels and reducing irregular migration, which is identified as a United States national security concern. The President is authorized to designate a private, nonprofit organization as the Enterprise Fund, which will be operated by the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation. An Oversight Panel of nine members, including U.S. and Haitian citizens with relevant expertise, will monitor the fund. Importantly, the Enterprise Fund is designed to operate as a private entity, not an agency of the United States Government. The fund's investments will target programs and projects that promote Haitian private sector development through various financial instruments such as equity investments, grants, loans, and technical assistance . Key sectors for investment include agriculture, construction, energy, manufacturing, and tourism, with a focus on building resilient physical infrastructure like reliable electricity, roads, and water systems. The fund will prioritize industries identified by the Government of Haiti for economic recovery and growth, while also considering human rights, environmental factors, and commercial viability. To finance these initiatives, the bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, with funds remaining available until expended. The Enterprise Fund can also use returns on its investments and solicit private venture capital. Strict accountability measures are in place, including annual independent private audits and Government Accountability Office audits, along with comprehensive recordkeeping and regular reports to Congress and the public on the fund's activities and financial health. The United States policy outlined in the bill emphasizes supporting Haiti's sustainable rebuilding, recognizing its independence and sovereignty, and assisting in restoring democratic governance through Haitian-led solutions. It also focuses on improving Haiti's security by supporting the Haitian National Police and stemming illicit firearms trafficking, addressing humanitarian needs, and fostering economic development. The Enterprise Fund is mandated to terminate by December 31, 2031, at which point it must repay the full amount of funds received from the U.S. Government to the Treasury.
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Timeline
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 7, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • February 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 7, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Democratic Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (10)
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee

International Affairs

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted