[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2386-E2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a supporter of 
S. 1824 which amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to reauthorize 
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. It is important that we as 
a Nation continue these efforts to invest abroad.

[[Page E2387]]

This resolution will continue a successful program of overseas 
investment that was begun more than four decades ago.
  I am also encouraged by the provisions in this resolution that 
outreach to minority-owned and women-owned businesses. The Overseas 
Private Investment Corporation will collect data on the involvement of 
minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Indeed, this outreach is 
needed as minorities and women continue to lag behind their 
counterparts when it comes to establishing businesses. This economic 
disparity often results in social inequality that this body must 
continue to work against. We have made efforts to support these same 
businesses in the United States and we must make similar efforts 
abroad.
  I want to thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for their 
work in reauthorizing this important endeavor. In the future, I hope we 
will continue to come together as a body to support increased overseas 
investment especially among the disenfranchised.