Introduction of H. Res. 699

Floor Speech

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce H. Res. 699, Welcoming African leaders to the first United States-Africa Leaders' Summit and African trade ministers to the 13th Forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

At the start of the new millennium, the United States Congress enacted the African Growth and Opportunity Act--AGOA--with broad, bipartisan support and with a view to expanding growth and opportunity in Africa like never before. In this legislation, Congress called for the establishment of high-level dialogues, including regular meetings by the President with his African counterparts. Now, fourteen years later, that vision is coming true.

Next week, the largest delegation of African heads-of-state in United States history will make its way to the White House. This will truly be a great day for America and a great day for our friends and partners from across the African continent, and I take immense pleasure in welcoming this historic delegation to our nation's capital.

Africa has six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world, over one billion people, sixty percent of the world's uncultivated agricultural land, and is likely to replace China as the biggest contributor to the global workforce by 2050. The people of Africa share the hopes and aspirations of all Americans for peace and prosperity across both our lands, and they are committed to strengthening economic relations through mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities which promote economic growth, development, poverty reduction, democracy, stability, and the rule of law.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act is one of those opportunities, and I would like to use this chance to emphasize the importance of renewing AGOA well before its expiration in September 2015. Since the passage of AGOA, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa have increased from $6.9 billion to $23.9 billion, per capita income in sub-Saharan Africa has more than tripled, and U.S. investment in sub-Saharan Africa has increased six-fold.

Mr. Speaker, this Resolution, which already has broad, bipartisan support, recognizes the significant progress and hope that modern Africa represents today in global affairs and economic advancement with its booming demographics, increasing modernization, dynamic youth, and vast resources; and it acknowledges the many paths available for boosting cultural, trade, and economic relations and partnerships between the United States and Africa.

It is in the economic and national security interests of the United States to engage and compete in emerging African markets, to foster U.S.-Africa trade and investment, to support greater capacity building for Africa, and to invest in Africa's youth and emerging leaders. It is also in our national interest to advocate good governance, a respect for human rights and constitutional term limits, and support for civil society organizations which contribute to enduring economic and social development.
Mr. Speaker, this Resolution demonstrates that the United States Congress stands beside Africa in promoting peace and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. I look forward to your timely support of H. Res. 699 on the eve of the United States-Africa Leaders' Summit, as we prepare to welcome our African friends and partners to this nation's great capital for a truly historic occasion. Thank you very much.

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