July 2, 2025
Mr. Meeks (for himself and Mr. Murphy) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
To require the Department of State to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter instability in Haiti and advance a Haitian-led solution to the ongoing crisis.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Strategy to Address Key Priorities Affecting Security and Empowerment in Haiti Act of 2025
or the SAK PASE in Haiti Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
the United States has a national security interest in ameliorating the security, economic, political, and humanitarian crises in Haiti;
(2)
the gangs unleashing violence and suffering across Haiti represent a threat to stability in Haiti and the region;
(3)
stabilization of the security situation and full participation of civil society in Haiti must be a precondition for open democratic political processes; and
(4)
a lasting solution to the crisis in Haiti must garner support from and be led by the Haitian people.
Sec. 3. Strategy to counter gang violence and advance stability in Haiti
(a) Strategy required
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to reestablish security and enhance stability in Haiti.
(b) Elements
The strategy required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
Bolstering security in Haiti with an assessment of—
(A)
the importance of supporting the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti, the Multinational Security Support Mission, and other security force elements to counter gang activity and violence exacerbating instability in Haiti;
(B)
coordination with international allies and partners, including the European Union, Canada, and Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) nations, to address the security crisis;
(C)
collaboration with the United Nations and other international partners to evaluate the efficacy of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and potential for a long-term United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) mission;
(D)
feasibility of reducing the risk of gang violence in Haiti, including through the reintegration of former gang members into Haitian society; and
(E)
the ability of nongovernmental organizations, including humanitarian and faith-based organizations, to continue operations in Haiti.
(2)
Addressing the flow of illicit arms, financial support, and political backing provided to gangs in Haiti with an assessment of—
(A)
additional resources needed to address the security, political, and humanitarian instability in Haiti; and
(B)
coordination with the Transitional Presidential Council and Interim Prime Minister to jointly develop and implement a strategy to counter gang activity and restore governance and the rule of law.
(3)
Expanding economic opportunity for Haitians through the Haiti HOPE/HELP program or other programs with an assessment of—
(A)
the impact of sanctions on Haiti, including designations of foreign terrorist organizations, on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Haiti; and
(B)
the difficulties of private capital mobilization in Haiti.
(4)
Supporting a solution that is by and for the Haitian people, in close partnership with Haitian civil society and the transitional leadership in Haiti.
(c) Required consultations
In developing the strategy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following:
(1)
The Chief Executive Officer of the United States Development Finance Corporation, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the United States Trade Representative, and the Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency.
(2)
Private sector entities based in the United States that operate in Haiti.
(3)
Haitian stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations and civil society in Haiti.
Sec. 4. Reporting requirements
Not later than 120 days after the date of the submission of the strategy required by section 2(a), and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing progress made in implementing the strategy, including—
(1)
status updates on consultations with Haitian civil society and governmental stakeholders;
(2)
a description of coordination with international partners on sanctions and aid efforts; and
(3)
metrics and benchmarks used to evaluate the effectiveness of international support for security forces and security assistance in Haiti.
Sec. 5. Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this Act, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(1)
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(2)
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.