Yesterday, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) filed an amendment to H.R. 2471, the Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Act. This bill seeks to analyze U.S. policy in Haiti and measure progress in addressing corruption, governance, rule of law, press freedoms, and more.

Jacobs’ amendment, filed in partnership with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-50), would require the State Department and USAID to assess conflict, instability, and violence in Haiti. It seeks to analyze the systemic patterns and causes of violence, as well as the role of actors and beneficiaries who play a part. It also considers the lack of judicial independence in Haiti — a key factor aggravating political instability and distrust in government institutions.

Upon filing the amendment, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs issued the following statement:

“Haiti is currently facing one of its worst outbreaks of violence since 1986. This has had a devastating impact on the Haitian people, and failing to address or understand the causes of conflict impedes our ability to find policy solutions. My amendment to H.R. 2471 will ensure the State Department and USAID take the necessary steps to tackle longstanding instability.

“Having worked in conflict stabilization at the State Department, I know the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of violence and conflict in order to craft sound policies and focus our foreign assistance. And I look forward to working with my colleagues to get H.R. 2471 passed into law.”