Greenville Reporter

North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy has expressed that the HOPE and HELP programs have been "mutually beneficial" to both the United States and Haiti. These initiatives, he says, provide stability as supply chains shift away from China. Murphy conveyed his pride in leading this effort in a post on X dated February 27.

"HOPE and HELP programs have proven to be mutually beneficial to the U.S. and Haiti," said Rep. Gregory F. Murphy. "Shifting our supply chains away from China to neighboring nations provides stability for our economy. Proud to lead the bipartisan effort to extend these vital programs."

Murphy introduced H.R. 1625, known as the HELP Extension Act, which is a bipartisan bill aimed at extending the HOPE/HELP trade programs with Haiti for an additional ten years. According to Murphy, these programs began with the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership and Encouragement (HOPE) Act in 2006, which eliminated duties on Haitian apparel exports to the U.S. The Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act further expanded duty-free status for Haitian exports following the 2010 earthquake. Without congressional intervention, these programs are scheduled to expire in September 2025.

Rep. Greg Murphy's post | X

"The HOPE and HELP programs have proven to be mutually beneficial to the United States and Haiti," said Murphy in a press release. He emphasized that shifting supply chains away from China to neighboring nations provides stability for American consumers and businesses. Furthermore, he said that a robust trade relationship with Haiti has offered the nation much-needed economic opportunity, paving a path toward future peace and stability. "I am proud to lead the bipartisan effort to extend these vital programs and our fruitful relationship," Murphy added.

Currently serving his third term as representative for North Carolina’s Third Congressional District, Murphy is a member of several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He also co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. Holding degrees from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine, Murphy is noted as being the only practicing surgeon in Congress according to House.gov.