Summary of HR 2643: Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 (HR 2643) aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding U.S. assistance to Haiti, particularly in the context of combating corruption and criminal collusion. The bill seeks to ensure that U.S. funds are not misappropriated or used to support corrupt practices within the Haitian government and its institutions.

Key Provisions

• Transparency Measures: The bill mandates the establishment of reporting requirements for U.S. agencies involved in providing assistance to Haiti. This includes detailed disclosures on how funds are allocated and spent.

• Accountability Framework: It proposes mechanisms to hold accountable any individuals or entities found to be involved in corrupt practices, particularly those that may benefit from U.S. assistance.

• Collaboration with Haitian Authorities: The legislation encourages collaboration with Haitian law enforcement and judicial authorities to strengthen their capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offenses.

• Periodic Reviews: The bill calls for periodic assessments of the effectiveness of U.S. assistance programs in Haiti, focusing on their impact on reducing corruption and promoting good governance.

Affected Parties

• U.S. Government Agencies: Agencies involved in foreign aid and assistance programs to Haiti will be directly impacted by the new reporting and accountability requirements.

• Haitian Government and Institutions: The bill targets corrupt practices within the Haitian government, aiming to improve governance and reduce the influence of criminal collusion.

• Haitian Citizens: By promoting transparency and accountability, the legislation seeks to benefit the Haitian populace by ensuring that aid reaches those in need and is used effectively.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: April 3, 2025
• House Actions:
  • The bill was debated and passed in the House on September 2, 2025, after a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill was agreed to by voice vote.
  • Prior to this, it underwent committee consideration and was reported by voice vote on April 9, 2025.
• Senate Actions:
  • On September 3, 2025, the bill was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Gregory W. Meeks and has several cosponsors, including:
- Michael Lawler
- Wesley Bell
- Michael T. McCaul
- Sydney Kamlager-Dove
- Richard McCormick
- Jared Moskowitz
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
- Brian K. Fitzpatrick
- Laura Gillen

Conclusion

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards ensuring that U.S. assistance to Haiti is used effectively and transparently, with the ultimate goal of combating corruption and fostering good governance in the country. The bill's progress through Congress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.