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U.S. Catholic bishops support Haiti anti-poverty measure as moral imperative

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) ? A U.S. House of Representative measure that would stimulate economic growth and combat poverty in Haiti is a moral imperative and reflects the humanitarian concerns of the American people, said the U.S. bishops.

In a letter sent to House representatives, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? (USCCB) Committee on International Policy, said that ?Haiti is at a critical point on its path of reform? and ?merits our support.?

?Efforts are being undertaken to combat drug transshipment, lawlessness and violent crime,? Bishop Wenski said. ?These initiatives are essential if Haiti is to avoid becoming a stubborn failed state, located a couple of hundred miles from the U.S. mainland.

H.R. 6142 ?is part of our moral imperative to care for the least among us and reflects the deep-rooted humanitarian concerns of the American people,? he said. ?It also offers a meaningful path for many vulnerable people in Haiti to become true partners in their own future.?

He pointed to the section of the bill that includes the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act as a ?critical tool for helping Haiti?s struggling textile manufacturing industry.? The generation of employment in the Caribbean nation, he added, ?is essential to this process of reform and development.?

?As Haiti continues to rebuild essential services, democratic institutions and effective law enforcement, those communities that know only daily violence and fear need meaningful opportunities to build a different future for themselves and their children,? Bishop Wenski added. ?The HOPE Act contained in H.R. 6142 will offer important investment incentives for the one remaining sector that can offer employment opportunities for Haiti?s poor. These opportunities are vital in helping Haitians battle instability and build a hopeful future. They merit your full support.?

He noted that during a recent visit to Haiti he heard ?many voices concerned about securing Haiti?s progress on the path of stability and reconstruction.?

The United States has a continuing role ?to be a key partner in promoting peaceful initiatives aimed at stemming the violence and promoting an atmosphere of trust and opportunity for all Haitians,? he said.

In a separate letter to Rep. William Thomas, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bishop Wenski said that the U.S. bishops ?consider trade an important tool in helping poor people exercise their right to human development.?

?These measures represent a key way in which U.S. trade policy can serve a vital role in expressing the compassion of the American people,? he said. ?The provisions regarding Haiti that you have introduced in this legislation should be passed into law without delay.?

The trade bill was pulled from a scheduled vote this week by the U.S. House leadership, but Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), House majority leader, indicated that the trade bill would be considered in the post-election congressional session that begins Nov. 13.