# What This Resolution About Haiti Actually Means

This is a resolution—basically a formal statement of what Congress thinks is important—calling for the U.S. to create a massive $50 billion development program for Haiti over the next ten years. Think of it as Congress saying "we should do this" rather than actually requiring it to happen. The resolution, called the Louverture Investment Plan, is asking the government to commit serious money and effort to rebuilding Haiti's government, economy, and basic services like roads, hospitals, and schools.

The resolution lays out why Congress thinks this matters. Haiti is currently in crisis. Gangs control large parts of the capital, kidnappings and sexual violence are widespread, millions of people don't have enough food, and the country has no functioning elected government since the president was assassinated in 2021. The resolution acknowledges that the U.S. and other countries have historically interfered in Haiti's affairs and contributed to its problems, so there's a moral argument for helping fix things now. It also notes that millions of Americans have Haitian heritage, and that Haiti's instability affects the entire Caribbean region.

If Congress actually follows through on this resolution, the money would go toward several specific goals: restoring democratic elections and strengthening courts and police, rebuilding physical infrastructure like roads and hospitals, helping farmers and small businesses, improving education and healthcare, and helping young people who've been involved with gangs find better opportunities. The resolution emphasizes that Haitian communities and diaspora members should have a say in how the money gets spent, rather than outsiders deciding everything.

Right now, this resolution doesn't automatically fund anything—it's more of a statement of intent. For actual money to be spent, Congress would need to pass separate legislation and approve the budget. But it signals that some members of Congress believe the U.S. should make a significant long-term commitment to Haiti's recovery, not just provide temporary aid after disasters.

Calling for the establishment of a comprehensive, long-term development program to rebuild the Republic of Haiti.

Schakowsky, Janice D.

<p>This resolution marks 220 years of Haitian independence.</p><p>Further, the resolution expresses the sense that Congress should establish the Louverture Investment Plan, a 10-year, $50 billion development program to rebuild Haiti with the goals of stabilizing the country, strengthening democratic and judiciary institutions, investing in critical infrastructure, spurring economic growth, and improving opportunities for women and youth.</p>