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H.R.6500 — AGOA Extension Act

House Roll Call

H.R.6500

Roll 14 • Congress 119, Session 2 • Jan 12, 2026 7:04 PM • Result: Passed

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BillH.R.6500 — AGOA Extension Act
Vote questionOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Vote type2/3 Yea-And-Nay
ResultPassed
TotalsYea 340 / Nay 54 / Present 0 / Not Voting 37
PartyYeaNayPresentNot Voting
R14943026
D19111011
I0000

Research Brief

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

Bill Analysis

HR 6500 – AGOA Extension Act (119th Congress)

HR 6500 reauthorizes and modifies the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the main U.S. trade preference program for sub‑Saharan Africa.

Core provisions

  • Extends AGOA’s duty‑free and quota‑free access for eligible sub‑Saharan African countries for an additional 16 years, through September 30, 2041 (with a final liquidation date of December 31, 2041).
  • Maintains the current list of eligible countries and the statutory eligibility criteria (e.g., market-based economy, rule of law, worker rights, and progress toward eliminating barriers to U.S. trade and investment).
  • Continues the President’s authority to designate, review, suspend, or terminate country eligibility based on annual reviews and out‑of‑cycle reviews.
  • Extends and preserves the “third‑country fabric” provision for apparel, allowing least-developed AGOA beneficiaries to use yarns and fabrics from any country and still qualify for duty‑free treatment through 2041.

Programs, agencies, and authorities

  • Keeps in force the AGOA trade preference program under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
  • Continues U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) leadership on eligibility reviews and reporting, in coordination with the Departments of State, Commerce, and Labor.
  • Requires ongoing reporting to Congress on AGOA utilization, eligibility decisions, and the program’s economic impact on beneficiary countries and U.S. stakeholders.

Beneficiaries and regulated parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: qualifying sub‑Saharan African countries and their exporters, especially in textiles, apparel, and light manufacturing.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: U.S. importers, retailers, and consumers who gain from duty‑free sourcing; U.S. firms investing in AGOA countries.
  • Regulated/affected: U.S. customs authorities (implementation of preferences), and AGOA-eligible governments, which must maintain compliance with statutory criteria to retain benefits.

Timelines and transition

  • Avoids a near‑term “cliff” expiration by providing long-term certainty for trade and investment decisions.
  • Ensures continuity of existing AGOA benefits without major structural redesign, focusing on stability rather than expansion or contraction of the program.

View bill source • Clerk record • API record

Yea (340)

Nay (54)

Not Voting (37)

E
Eric Swalwell

CA • D • Not Voting