Congress·Passed House·H.R. 6500

AGOA Extension Act

Trade: Extending Tax-Free Imports from African Countries

Feb 10·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

This bill is one vehicle in a longer effort. See the full story across every version.View effort →

Next up: The Senate

The House passed this bill in February 2026 and it is now waiting for the Senate to take action. Nothing has happened with the bill since February 2026, which means it has been stalled for four months. It is uncertain if the Senate will schedule a vote on this legislation.

Legislative Progress

✓ House

Senate

President

Law

How we got here

This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.

Reintroduced
Reintroduced from S. 2952 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
S. 2952 (118th) →

Key Points

Congress is extending a trade program that allows many goods from sub-Saharan African countries to enter the U.S. without paying import taxes. This program, which was set to end in late 2025, will now continue through December 31, 2028.
The plan specifically helps the clothing industry by allowing African-made apparel and fabrics to be sold in the U.S. at lower prices. This supports economic growth in those countries while helping keep costs stable for American businesses and shoppers.
Because the previous version of this program expired before this extension was passed, the law allows businesses to get refunds for taxes they paid on imports during the gap. Companies have 180 days to ask the government for their money back.
To help cover government costs, the bill also extends certain fees that businesses pay when moving goods across the border. These customs fees will now remain in place until the end of 2031.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones17 actions

Feb 10, 2026Senate

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 320.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Feb 9, 2026Senate

Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Jan 13, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate.

The Senate has received the House-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.

Jan 12, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Jan 12, 2026House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 340 - 54 (Roll no. 14). (text: CR H637)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Vote Results

1 vote

HousePassedProceduralJan 12, 2026

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

340

Democrat

191 – 11 · 11

Republican

149 – 43 · 26

View full roll call

No news coverage recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

AGOA Extension Act

Bill NumberHR 6500

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionRead the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 320.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)

R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.