U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Port-au-Prince to Meet with their Haitian Counterparts
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A ten-member, bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation, led by Chairman David Dreier, a Republican of California, visited Port-au-Prince as part of the ongoing House Democracy Partnership (HDP) program with the Haitian parliament.
During their visit, the group met with Haitian President Martelly, visited the U.S. government-funded construction site of the new parliament, and participated in joint seminars with Haitian Senators and Deputies on the role of legislators in representing their constituency, budget analysis, and oversight.
After the visit, Chairman Dreier said, “The Haitian parliament has an essential role in ensuring accountability to the Haitian people, and today’s visit provides us with an opportunity to further our partnership with our Haitian colleagues and share our experiences as fellow legislators. A strong, independent Haitian parliament that is responsive to its constituents and faithful in its oversight responsibilities is critical to building a better Haiti.”
Underscoring the deep commitment of the U.S. government, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten said, “Our partnership with the Haitian government extends to all branches of government. Good governance requires the efforts of all political actors and the Haitian people.”
Established in 2005, the House Democracy Partnership is a bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with 14 partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.
The HDP seeks to build the capacity of its partner legislatures in key areas such as legislative oversight, budget analysis, committee operations, constituent relations, and library and research services, using peer-to-peer exchange programs, training seminars for members and staff, and targeted material assistance.
The HDP last visited Haiti in May 2010.
