TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to Support Debt Relief for Haiti
Last month you made calls, wrote letters, and spread the word about the urgent need for full debt cancellation for Haiti after the earthquake. The international community listened: in early February G-7 leaders announced their commitment to cancel Haiti's $1 billion outstanding debt to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank.
Now the US Congress is making sure the G-7 leaders keep their word.
Send a message to your Representative today in support of Haiti debt relief.
On Friday, the US Senate passed the Haiti Recovery Act, introduced by Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Lugar (R-IN), to provide debt relief for Haiti and additional support for Haiti reconstruction and infrastructure. This is great news; the bill will help secure the money needed to make sure debt cancellation happens swiftly.
Last week, I was asked to testify at a hearing before the US House of Representatives on Haiti debt relief. The Members of Congress who were present voiced their support when I said that immediate debt cancellation for Haiti is both a practical and moral imperative. You can read my full testimony or watch the hearing here.
The same day, the House Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade voted to approve the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act (HR4573), introduced by Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Spencer Bachus (R-AL), and 66 others, which also presses the Department of Treasury to swiftly follow through on its commitments.
Tomorrow, the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act will be voted on the floor of the US House of Representatives.
Send a message to your Representative today and show your continued support for debt relief for Haiti and for other impoverished nations around the world.
The bill already has broad Congressional support, and it's critical that they hear from you.
