Bill Summary
This resolution recognizes the history and struggles of Haiti, particularly in regards to their relationship with France. It acknowledges Haiti as the first free Black nation in the Americas and acknowledges how their fight for freedom has directly contributed to their current impoverished state. The resolution also addresses the economic and social challenges faced by Haiti, including the burden of paying reparations to their former slave masters. It calls for recognition and education of this history in the United States, as well as welcoming and supporting Haitian immigrants and working towards just immigration policies. The resolution also commits to working with international organizations to aid in Haiti's economic and social recovery.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could potentially raise awareness and recognition of the history between Haiti and France, leading to more support and aid for Haiti's economic and social recovery.
2. The legislation could lead to improved immigration policies and opportunities for Haitian immigrants in the United States, potentially providing them with better access to resources and opportunities.
3. The legislation could spark conversations and debate about the impact of colonialism and reparations on modern-day Haiti and possibly lead to a reexamination of international aid and policies towards the country.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1375 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1375
Recognizing the history between Haiti and France, acknowledging Haiti
as the first free Black nation in the Americas, recognizing how the
aftermath of their freedom is directly related to their impoverished
state today, and realizing the importance of this history.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 20, 2022
Mr. Torres of New York (for himself and Ms. Clarke of New York)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
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
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the history between Haiti and France, acknowledging Haiti
as the first free Black nation in the Americas, recognizing how the
aftermath of their freedom is directly related to their impoverished
state today, and realizing the importance of this history.
Whereas the revolutionary movement in Haiti was the first successful slave
revolution in 1791, freeing itself from French rule;
Whereas Haiti established an independent nation in 1804, decades before other
colonies and nations fought against their enslavement;
Whereas, in 1825, French warships appeared on the coast of Port-au-Prince with
an ultimatum from French King Charles X to give reparations to former
slave masters or face another war;
Whereas Haiti's President Jean-Pierre Boyer agreed in an effort to avoid war and
begin trade with other countries;
Whereas, for generations after independence, Haitians were forced to pay the
descendants of their former slave masters, becoming the world's first
and only country to have ``independence debt'';
Whereas these payments extended to the Empress of Brazil, the son-in-law of the
Russian Emperor Nicholas I, Germany's last imperial chancellor Otto von
Bismarck, and French general Gaston de Galliffet;
Whereas the first installment of payment was six times the country's income;
Whereas Haiti was forced to take out loans from French banks to make payments,
creating ``double debt'';
Whereas, historically, Haitian leaders have ransacked the country for their own
gain, as legislators have spoken openly on the radio about accepting
bribes and oligarchs sit atop lucrative monopolies;
Whereas Transparency International ranks Haiti among the most corrupt countries
in the world;
Whereas Haitians have paid about $560,000,000 in today's dollars toward the
double debt;
Whereas most workers in Haiti have never had running water or septic tanks;
Whereas public hospitals lack the most essential supplies, like blood pressure
cuffs or thermometers; and
Whereas few of the economic hardships imposed by the French are recognized and
are not covered in French schools, and recent conversations with the
French Government have been squashed: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the long-forgotten history between Haiti and
France and its direct impact on the economic and social
challenges Haiti faces today;
(2) pledges to make this history known throughout the
United States;
(3) welcomes Haitian immigrants presently in the United
States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United
States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and
prosperity of the United States by finding their place in the
vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society of the United
States;
(4) encourages the people of the United States to work with
their Haitian immigrant neighbors and colleagues to advance the
current and future well-being of immigrants to the United
States;
(5) commits to working with fellow Members of Congress, the
executive agencies that administer immigration laws and
policies, and the President to promote smart and just
immigration policy for Haitian immigrants presently in the
United States, their families, and individuals seeking to
immigrate to the United States in the future; and
(6) commits to working with international organizations to
administer aid, in the form of programs, resources, and foreign
policies, that continue to help Haiti's economic and social
recovery.
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