Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls in the Republic of Haiti is critical to the success of Haiti's transition from crisis and its future stability, condemning the failure to center women's leadership and distinct needs to date, and calling for urgent measures to secure all human rights of women and girls in Haiti.

Bill Number: HRES 1018|Origin Chamber: House|Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.|Policy Area: International Affairs

TL;DR

What

Supports women's rights and leadership in Haiti's crisis.

Who

Rep. Clarke (D-NY), with many co-sponsors.

Status

In committee, no House vote yet.

This resolution expresses the House's opinion that protecting women's and girls' rights in Haiti is key to that nation's stability. It criticizes current approaches that overlook women's leadership and needs. The lead sponsor is Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York, joined by a large group of co-sponsors. The bill has been sent to committee, meaning it is still being reviewed and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.

Cosponsors

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Where Is This Bill?

Introduced

Committee

House Vote

Senate

Law

Introduced Jan 22, 2026

This resolution was introduced and has been sent to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services for review. Before it can be considered by the full House of Representatives for a vote, these committees must approve it. As a House Resolution, it only needs to pass the House to be adopted, as it does not become a law and therefore does not go to the Senate or the President.

If This Passes, You Might Notice

•U.S. foreign aid to Haiti might increasingly prioritize women's participation.
•U.S. diplomatic efforts could push for more women in Haitian leadership.
•U.S. agencies might restore programs focused on women, peace, and security.

If this resolution gains traction, U.S. foreign aid programs to Haiti could be reshaped to ensure that women's needs and leadership are central to recovery and stability efforts. Diplomatically, the U.S. government might increase pressure on Haiti's transitional government to include more women in decision-making roles, as required by Haiti's own constitution. Additionally, the resolution calls for the U.S. State and Defense Departments to re-establish offices dedicated to women, peace, and security, potentially restoring focus to these issues within U.S. foreign policy.

The Debate

Supporters Say

Advocating for women's rights and leadership in Haiti is vital for its stability and aligns with existing U.S. law and international best practices.

Critics Say

The resolution itself condemns current U.S. and international failures to address women's specific needs and leadership roles in Haiti.

Supporters of this resolution argue that ignoring women's leadership and safety in Haiti undermines efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability, pointing to U.S. laws like the Women, Peace, and Security Act as a guide. They believe that current approaches, including the dismantling of certain U.S. government offices, are counterproductive. The resolution critiques Haiti's transitional government for excluding women and its international partners for not prioritizing women's needs, stating these failures hinder Haiti's recovery.

TL;DR

Sponsors

Cosponsors

Where Is This Bill?

If This Passes, You Might Notice

The Debate