[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H3884-H3891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AGOA ACCELERATION ACT OF 2004
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4103) to extend and modify the trade benefits under the
African Growth and Opportunity Act, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 4103
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``AGOA Acceleration Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The African Growth and Opportunity Act (in this section
and section 3 referred to as ``the Act'') has helped to spur
economic growth and bolster economic reforms in the countries
of sub-Saharan Africa and has fostered stronger economic ties
between the countries of sub-Saharan Africa and the United
States; as a result, exports from the United States to sub-
Saharan Africa reached record levels after the enactment of
the Act, while exports from sub-Saharan Africa to the United
States have increased considerably.
(2) The Act's eligibility requirements have reinforced
democratic values and the rule of law, and have strengthened
adherence to internationally recognized worker rights in
eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
(3) The Act has helped to bring about substantial increases
in foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in
the textile and apparel sectors, where tens of thousands of
new jobs have been created.
(4) As a result of the Agreement on Textiles and Apparel of
the World Trade Organization, under which quotas maintained
by WTO member countries on textile and apparel products end
on January 1, 2005, sub-Saharan Africa's textile and apparel
industry will be severely challenged by countries whose
industries are more developed and have greater capacity,
economies of scale, and better infrastructure.
(5) The underdeveloped physical and financial
infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa continues to discourage
investment in the region.
(6) Regional integration establishes a foundation on which
sub-Saharan African countries can coordinate and pursue
policies grounded in African interests and history to achieve
sustainable development.
(7) Expanded trade because of the Act has improved
fundamental economic conditions within sub-Saharan Africa.
The Act has helped to create jobs in the poorest region of
the world, and most sub-Saharan African countries have sought
to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Act.
(8) Agricultural biotechnology holds promise for helping
solve global food security and human health crises in Africa
and, according to recent studies, has made contributions to
the protection of the environment by reducing the application
of pesticides, reducing soil erosion, and creating an
environment more hospitable to wildlife.
(9)(A) One of the greatest challenges facing African
countries continues to be the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has
infected as many as one out of every four people in some
countries, creating tremendous social, political, and
economic costs. African countries need continued United
States financial and technical assistance to combat this
epidemic.
(B) More awareness and involvement by governments are
necessary. Countries like Uganda, recognizing the threat of
HIV/AIDS, have boldly attacked it through a combination of
education, public awareness, enhanced medical infrastructure
and resources, and greater access to medical treatment. An
effective HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategy involves
all of these steps.
(10) African countries continue to need trade capacity
assistance to establish viable economic capacity, a well-
grounded rule of law, and efficient government practices.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
The Congress supports--
(1) a continued commitment to increase trade between the
United States and sub-Saharan Africa and increase investment
in sub-Saharan Africa to the benefit of workers, businesses,
and farmers in the United States and in sub-Saharan Africa,
including by developing innovative approaches to encourage
development and investment in sub-Saharan Africa;
(2) a reduction of tariff and nontariff barriers and other
obstacles to trade between the countries of sub-Saharan
Africa and the United States, with particular emphasis on
reducing barriers to trade in emerging sectors of the economy
that have the greatest potential for development;
(3) development of sub-Saharan Africa's physical and
financial infrastructure;
(4) international efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria,
tuberculosis, other infectious diseases, and serious public
health problems;
(5) many of the aims of the New Partnership for African
Development (NEPAD), which include--
(A) reducing poverty and increasing economic growth;
(B) promoting peace, democracy, security, and human rights;
(C) promoting African integration by deepening linkages
between African countries and by accelerating Africa's
economic and political integration into the rest of the
world;
(D) attracting investment, debt relief, and development
assistance;
(E) promoting trade and economic diversification;
(F) broadening global market access for United States and
African exports;
(G) improving transparency, good governance, and political
accountability;
(H) expanding access to social services, education, and
health services with a high priority given to addressing HIV/
AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, other infectious diseases, and
other public health problems;
(I) promoting the role of women in social and economic
development by reinforcing education and training and by
assuring their participation in political and economic
arenas; and
(J) building the capacity of governments in sub-Saharan
Africa to set and enforce a legal framework, as well as to
enforce the rule of law;
[[Page H3885]]
(6) negotiation of reciprocal trade agreements between the
United States and sub-Saharan African countries, with the
overall goal of expanding trade across all of sub-Saharan
Africa;
(7) the President seeking to negotiate, with interested
eligible sub-Saharan African countries, bilateral trade
agreements that provide investment opportunities, in
accordance with section 2102(b)(3) of the Trade Act of 2002
(19 U.S.C. 3802(b)(3));
(8) efforts by the President to negotiate with the member
countries of the Southern African Customs Union in order to
provide the opportunity to deepen and make permanent the
benefits of the Act while giving the United States access to
the markets of these African countries for United States
goods and services, by reducing tariffs and non-tariff
barriers, strengthening intellectual property protection,
improving transparency, establishing general dispute
settlement mechanisms, and investor-state and state-to-state
dispute settlement mechanisms in investment;
(9) a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement with the
Southern African Customs Union, covering all products and
sectors, in order to mature the economic relationship between
sub-Saharan African countries and the United States and
because such an agreement would deepen United States economic
and political ties to the region, lend momentum to United
States development efforts, encourage greater United States
investment, and promote regional integration and economic
growth;
(10) regional integration among sub-Saharan African
countries and business partnerships between United States and
African firms; and
(11) economic diversification in sub-Saharan African
countries and expansion of trade beyond textiles and apparel.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON RECIPROCITY AND REGIONAL
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the preferential market access opportunities for
eligible sub-Saharan African countries will be complemented
and enhanced if those countries are implementing actively and
fully, consistent with any remaining applicable phase-in
periods, their obligations under the World Trade
Organization, including obligations under the Agreement on
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, the Agreement
on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures,
and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, as
well as the other agreements described in section 101(d) of
the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511(d));
(2) eligible sub-Saharan African countries should
participate in and support mutual trade liberalization in
ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the World Trade
Organization, including by making reciprocal commitments with
respect to improving market access for industrial and
agricultural goods, and for services, recognizing that such
commitments may need to reflect special and differential
treatment for developing countries;
(3) some of the most pernicious trade barriers against
exports by developing countries are the trade barriers
maintained by other developing countries; therefore, eligible
sub-Saharan African countries will benefit from the reduction
of trade barriers in other developing countries, especially
in developing countries that represent some of the greatest
potential markets for African goods and services; and
(4) all countries should make sanitary and phytosanitary
decisions on the basis of sound science.
SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INTERPRETATION OF TEXTILE AND
APPAREL PROVISIONS OF AGOA.
It is the sense of the Congress that the executive branch,
particularly the Committee for the Implementation of Textile
Agreements (CITA), the Bureau of Customs and Border
Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, and the
Department of Commerce, should interpret, implement, and
enforce the provisions of section 112 of the African Growth
and Opportunity Act, relating to preferential treatment of
textile and apparel articles, broadly in order to expand
trade by maximizing opportunities for imports of such
articles from eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
SEC. 6. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``eligible sub-Saharan African
country'' means an eligible sub-Saharan African country under
the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
(a) Generalized System of Preferences.--
(1) Extension of program.--Section 506B of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2466b) is amended by striking ``2008'' and
inserting ``2015''.
(2) Inputs from former beneficiary countries.--Section 506A
of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2466a) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by inserting ``or former
beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries'' after
``countries''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``title, the terms'' and inserting
``title--
``(1) the terms''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) the term `former beneficiary sub-Saharan African
country' means a country that, after being designated as a
beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under the African
Growth and Opportunity Act, ceased to be designated as such a
country by reason of its entering into a free trade agreement
with the United States.''.
(b) Apparel Articles.--(1) Section 112(b)(1) of the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(b)(1)) is amended
by striking ``(including'' and inserting ``or both
(including''.
(2) Section 112(b)(3) of the African Growth and Opportunity
Act (19 U.S.C. 3721 (b)(3)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``either in the United States or one or
more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries'' each place
it appears and inserting ``in the United States or one or
more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former
beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both''; and
(ii) by striking ``subject to the following:'' and
inserting ``whether or not the apparel articles are also made
from any of the fabrics, fabric components formed, or
components knit-to-shape described in paragraph (1) or (2)
(unless the apparel articles are made exclusively from any of
the fabrics, fabric components formed, or components knit-to-
shape described in paragraph (1) or (2)), subject to the
following:''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Limitations on benefits.--
``(i) In general.--Preferential treatment under this
paragraph shall be extended in the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2003, and in each of the 11 succeeding 1-year
periods, to imports of apparel articles in an amount not to
exceed the applicable percentage of the aggregate square
meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the
United States in the preceding 12-month period for which data
are available.
``(ii) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `applicable percentage' means--
``(I) 4.747 percent for the 1-year period beginning October
1, 2003, increased in each of the 5 succeeding 1-year periods
by equal increments, so that for the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2007, the applicable percentage does not exceed 7
percent; and
``(II) for each succeeding 1-year period until September
30, 2015, not to exceed 7 percent.
``(B) Special rule for lesser developed countries.--
``(i) In general.--Preferential treatment under this
paragraph shall be extended though September 30, 2007, for
apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and
wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed
beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the
country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such
articles, in an amount not to exceed the applicable
percentage of the aggregate square meter equivalents of all
apparel articles imported into the United States in the
preceding 12-month period for which data are available.
``(ii) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of the
subparagraph, the term `applicable percentage' means--
``(I) 2.3571 percent for the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2003;
``(II) 2.6428 percent for the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2004;
``(III) 2.9285 percent for the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2005; and
``(IV) 1.6071 percent for the 1-year period beginning
October 1, 2006.
``(iii) Lesser developed beneficiary sub-saharan african
country.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `lesser
developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country' means--
``(I) a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country that had a
per capita gross national product of less than $1,500 in
1998, as measured by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development;
``(II) Botswana; and
``(III) Namibia.''.
(3) Section 112(b)(5)(A) of the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(b)(5)(A)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(A) In general.--Apparel articles that are both cut (or
knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more
beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, to the extent that
apparel articles of such fabrics or yarns would be eligible
for preferential treatment, without regard to the source of
the fabrics or yarns, under Annex 401 to the NAFTA.''.
(c) Handloomed, Handmade, Folklore Articles and Ethnic
Printed Fabrics.--Section 112(b)(6) of the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(b)(6)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(6) Handloomed, handmade, folklore articles and ethnic
printed fabrics.--
``(A) In general.--A handloomed, handmade, folklore article
or an ethnic printed fabric of a beneficiary sub-Saharan
African country or countries that is certified as such by the
competent authority of such beneficiary country or countries.
For purposes of this section, the President, after
consultation with the beneficiary sub-Saharan African country
or countries concerned, shall determine which, if any,
particular textile and apparel goods of the country (or
countries) shall be treated as being handloomed, handmade, or
folklore articles or an ethnic printed fabric.
``(B) Requirements for ethnic printed fabric.--Ethnic
printed fabrics qualified under this paragraph are--
``(i) fabrics containing a selvedge on both edges, having a
width of less than 50 inches, classifiable under subheading
5208.52.30 or 5208.52.40 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States;
``(ii) of the type that contains designs, symbols, and
other characteristics of African prints--
``(I) normally produced for and sold on the indigenous
African market; and
``(II) normally sold in Africa by the piece as opposed to
being tailored into garments before being sold in indigenous
African markets;
``(iii) printed, including waxed, in one or more eligible
beneficiary sub-Saharan countries; and
``(iv) fabrics formed in the United States, from yarns
formed in the United States, or from fabric formed in one or
more beneficiary sub-Saharan African country from yarn
originating in either the United States or one or more
beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.''.
[[Page H3886]]
(d) Regional and U.S. Sources.--Section 112(b)(7) of the
African Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(b)(7)) is
amended by inserting ``or former beneficiary sub-Saharan
African countries'' after ``and one or more beneficiary sub-
Saharan African countries'' each place it appears.
(e) Special Rules.--
(1) Certain components.--Section 112(d) of the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(d)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Certain components.--An article otherwise eligible
for preferential treatment under this section will not be
ineligible for such treatment because the article contains--
``(A) any collars or cuffs (cut or knit-to-shape),
``(B) drawstrings,
``(C) shoulder pads or other padding,
``(D) waistbands,
``(E) belt attached to the article,
``(F) straps containing elastic, or
``(G) elbow patches,
that do not meet the requirements set forth in subsection
(b), regardless of the country of origin of the item referred
to in the applicable subparagraph of this paragraph.''.
(2) De minimis rule.--Section 112(d)(2) of the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(d)(2)) is
amended--
(A) by inserting ``or former beneficiary sub-Saharan
African countries'' after ``countries''; and
(B) by striking ``7 percent'' and inserting ``10 percent''.
(f) Definitions.--Section 112(e) of the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3721(e)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(4) Former sub-saharan african country.--The term `former
sub-Saharan African country' means a country that, after
being designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country
under this Act, ceased to be designated as such a beneficiary
sub-Saharan country by reason of its entering into a free
trade agreement with the United States.''.
SEC. 8. ENTRIES OF CERTAIN APPAREL ARTICLES PURSUANT TO THE
AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 514 of the Tariff
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1514) or any other provision of law,
the Secretary of the Treasury shall liquidate or reliquidate
as free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions,
limitations, or consultation levels entries of articles
described in subsection (d) made on or after October 1, 2000,
and before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Requests.--Liquidation or reliquidation may be made
under subsection (a) with respect to an entry described in
subsection (d) only if a request therefor is filed with the
Secretary of the Treasury within 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and the request contains sufficient
information to enable the Secretary to locate the entry or
reconstruct the entry if it cannot be located.
(c) Payment of Amounts Owed.--Any amounts owed by the
United States pursuant to the liquidation or reliquidation of
any entry under subsection (a) shall be paid not later than
180 days after the date of such liquidation or reliquidation.
(d) Entries.--The entries referred to in subsection (a) are
entries of apparel articles that meet the requirements of
section 112(b) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, as
amended by section 3108 of the Trade Act of 2002 and this
Act.
SEC. 9. DEVELOPMENT STUDY AND CAPACITY BUILDING.
(a) Reports.--The President shall, by not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, conduct a study
on each eligible sub-Saharan African country, that--
(1) identifies sectors of the economy of that country with
the greatest potential for growth, including through export
sales;
(2) identifies barriers, both domestically and
internationally, that are impeding growth in such sectors;
and
(3) makes recommendations on how the United States
Government and the private sector can provide technical
assistance to that country to assist in dismantling such
barriers and in promoting investment in such sectors.
(b) Dissemination of Information.--The President shall
disseminate information in each study conducted under
subsection (a) to the appropriate United States agencies for
the purpose of implementing recommendations on the provision
of technical assistance and in identifying opportunities for
United States investors, businesses, and farmers.
SEC. 10. ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT
INCREASING TRADE CAPACITY AND ECOTOURISM.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Ecotourism, which consists of--
(A) responsible and sustainable travel and visitation to
relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and
appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features,
both past and present) and animals, including species that
are rare or endangered,
(B) promotion of conservation and provision for beneficial
involvement of local populations, and
(C) visitation designed to have low negative impact upon
the environment,
is expected to expand 30 percent globally over the next
decade.
(2) Ecotourism will increase trade capacity by sustaining
otherwise unsustainable infrastructure, such as road, port,
water, energy, and telecommunication development.
(3) According to the United States Department of State and
the United Nations Environment Programme, sustainable
tourism, such as ecotourism, can be an important part of the
economic development of a region, especially a region with
natural and cultural protected areas.
(4) Sub-Saharan Africa enjoys an international comparative
advantage in ecotourism because it features extensive
protected areas that host a variety of ecosystems and
traditional cultures that are major attractions for nature-
oriented tourism.
(5) National parks and reserves in sub-Saharan Africa
should be considered a basis for regional development,
involving communities living within and adjacent to them and,
given their strong international recognition, provide an
advantage in ecotourism marketing and promotion.
(6) Desert areas in sub-Saharan Africa represent complex
ecotourism attractions, showcasing natural, geological, and
archaeological features, and nomad and other cultures and
traditions.
(7) Many natural zones in sub-Saharan Africa cross the
political borders of several countries; therefore,
transboundary cooperation is fundamental for all types of
ecotourism development.
(8) The commercial viability of ecotourism is enhanced when
small and medium enterprises, particularly microenterprises,
successfully engage with the tourism industry in sub-Saharan
Africa.
(9) Adequate capacity building is an essential component of
ecotourism development if local communities are to be real
stakeholders that can sustain an equitable approach to
ecotourism management.
(10) Ecotourism needs to generate local community benefits
by utilizing sub-Saharan Africa's natural heritage, parks,
wildlife reserves, and other protected areas that can play a
significant role in encouraging local economic development by
sourcing food and other locally produced resources.
(b) Action by the President.--The President shall develop
and implement policies to--
(1) encourage the development of infrastructure projects
that will help to increase trade capacity and a sustainable
ecotourism industry in eligible sub-Saharan African
countries;
(2) encourage and facilitate transboundary cooperation
among sub-Saharan African countries in order to facilitate
trade;
(3) encourage the provision of technical assistance to
eligible sub-Saharan African countries to establish and
sustain adequate trade capacity development; and
(4) encourage micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises
in eligible sub-Saharan African countries to participate in
the ecotourism industry.
SEC. 11. ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY,
AGRICULTURE, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) In order to increase exports from, and trade among,
eligible sub-Saharan African countries, transportation
systems in those countries must be improved to increase
transport efficiencies and lower transport costs.
(2) Vibrant economic growth requires a developed
telecommunication and energy infrastructure.
(3) Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in exportable agricultural
goods, but development of this industry remains stymied
because of an underdeveloped infrastructure.
(b) Action by the President.--In order to enhance trade
with Africa and to bring the benefits of trade to African
countries, the President shall develop and implement policies
to encourage investment in eligible sub-Saharan African
countries, particularly with respect to the following:
(1) Infrastructure projects that support, in particular,
development of land transport road and railroad networks and
ports, and the continued upgrading and liberalization of the
energy and telecommunications sectors.
(2) The establishment and expansion of modern information
and communication technologies and practices to improve the
ability of citizens to research and disseminate information
relating to, among other things, the economy, education,
trade, health, agriculture, the environment, and the media.
(3) Agriculture, particularly in processing and capacity
enhancement.
SEC. 12. FACILITATION OF TRANSPORTATION.
In order to facilitate and increase trade flows between
eligible sub-Saharan African countries and the United States,
the President shall foster improved port-to-port and airport-
to-airport relationships. These relationships should
facilitate--
(1) increased coordination between customs services at
ports and airports in the United States and such countries in
order to reduce time in transit;
(2) interaction between customs and technical staff from
ports and airports in the United States and such countries in
order to increase efficiency and safety procedures and
protocols relating to trade;
(3) coordination between chambers of commerce, freight
forwarders, customs brokers, and others involved in
consolidating and moving freight; and
(4) trade through air service between airports in the
United States and such countries by increasing frequency and
capacity.
SEC. 13. AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Identification of Countries.--The President shall
identify not fewer than 10 eligible sub-Saharan African
countries as having the greatest potential to increase
marketable exports of agricultural products to the United
States and the greatest need for technical assistance,
particularly with respect to pest risk assessments and
complying with sanitary and phytosanitary rules of the United
States.
(b) Personnel.--The President shall assign at least 20
full-time personnel for the purpose of
[[Page H3887]]
providing assistance to the countries identified under
subsection (a) to ensure that exports of agricultural
products from those countries meet the requirements of United
States law.
SEC. 14. TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AFRICA.
The President shall convene the trade advisory committee on
Africa established by Executive Order 11846 of March 27,
1975, under section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, in order
to facilitate the goals and objectives of the African Growth
and Opportunity Act and this Act, and to maintain ongoing
discussions with African trade and agriculture ministries and
private sector organizations on issues of mutual concern,
including regional and international trade concerns and World
Trade Organization issues.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas).
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
H.R. 4103, the AGOA Acceleration Act, was ordered favorably reported
by the Committee on Ways and Means and was amended by a voice vote on
May 5. Once again this bill provides the means for African countries to
develop a more prosperous economic environment, a well-grounded rule of
law, and efficient and acceptable government practices. I am very
pleased that, as in the past, this bill has garnered broad support.
Especially I would like to reference the ranking member of the
committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel); the chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane); the
ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin); and the
gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), who has been one of the
Committee on Ways and Means' leading advocates for additional
assistance and trade to Africa.
{time} 1430
I am also pleased to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce)
of the Committee on International Relations and the gentleman from
Illinois (Chairman Hyde) of that committee for the courtesies they
extended to us in getting this bill to the floor. The Committee on
International Relations indicated there were two provisions in this
bill that were under the jurisdiction of the committee. In working with
the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), I am pleased to indicate
that in expediting consideration of the bill, the chairman graciously
agreed to forego consideration by that committee, notwithstanding the
jurisdiction of that committee, and to exchange letters. And I would
include the letters in the Record.
Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need for this bill. A provision
allowing the poorest African countries to use third-country fabric and
apparel production will expire at the end of September if we do
nothing. My plea, I guess, is to a certain extent hopefully heard on
the other side of the Capitol by the other body. This bill would extend
the provision subject to a cap for 3 years and phase it out in the
final year, a pragmatic approach that balances the needs of the African
countries while assuring the U.S. industry is not threatened and can
even be helped through the development of partnerships, especially in
the area of raw materials.
Our bill does not merely extend these benefits. It accelerates
Africa's utilization of the original AGOA benefits by expanding African
capacity and infrastructure to attract investment in regional fabric
production so that Africa can hope to compete in a post-quota world.
One of the best ways the Africans can make themselves competitive is
to work with us to achieve trade liberalization in the World Trade
Organization. Such liberalization will benefit Africa enormously by
reducing the duties it must pay and by facilitating trade. In addition,
as long as they are comprehensive, I support ongoing free trade
negotiations with the Southern African Customs Union, which will help
to deepen and make permanent existing AGOA benefits for Africans in
Africa. At the same time, we expect meaningful access to the markets of
these African countries for U.S. goods and services in an open trading
arrangement.
I believe helping Africa through trade will contribute to more
fundamental improvements in governance and of course the overall
quality of life in Africa. Critical benefits for our African partners
will expire soon if Congress does not take immediate action.
Mr. Speaker, this was delayed a week because of the circumstances
surrounding last week. We need to move forward with this legislation.
My fervent hope is that with the House acting today in the manner in
which I believe we will act, that is, overwhelming bipartisan support,
that we can focus the attention of the other body that this is a
measure that needs to move expeditiously through both bodies so that we
can provide this kind of accelerated help to Sub-Saharan Africa, and I
strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4103.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Ways and Means,
Washington, DC, May 19, 2004.
Hon. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman,
Committee on International Relations
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Hyde: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 4103, the ``AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004.''
As you have noted, the Committee on Ways and Means ordered
favorably reported, as amended, H.R. 4103, the ``AGOA
Acceleration Act of 2004,'' on Wednesday, May 5, 2004. I
appreciate your agreement to expedite the passage of this
legislation although it contains two provisions within your
Committee's jurisdiction. I acknowledge your decision to
forego further action on the bill is based on the
understanding that it will not prejudice the Committee on
International Relations with respect to its jurisdictional
prerogatives or the appointment of conferees on this or
similar legislation.
Our committees have long collaborated on this important
initiative, and I am very pleased we are continuing that
cooperation. Your leadership on African issues is critical to
the success of this bill and the AGOA program. I appreciate
your helping us to move this legislation quickly to the
floor.
Finally, I will include the Congressional Record a copy of
our exchange of letters on this matter. Thank you for your
assistance and cooperation. We look forward to working with
you in the future.
Best regards,
Bill Thomas,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, DC, May 19, 2004.
Hon. William M. Thomas, Chairman,
Committee on Ways and Means,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thomas: I am writing concerning H.R. 4103,
the ``AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004,'' which was ordered
favorably reported, as amended, by the Committee on Ways and
Means on Wednesday, May 5, 2004.
As you know, the Committee on International Relations has
jurisdiction over matters concerning relations of the United
States with foreign nations generally. Sections 10 and 13 of
the bill involve U.S. efforts to provide assistance to
certain African nations and thus fall within the jurisdiction
of the Committee on International Relations. However, in
order to expedite this legislation for floor consideration,
the Committee will forgo action on this bill. This is being
done with the understanding that it does not in any way
prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of
conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or
similar legislation.
I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming
this understanding with respect to H.R. 4103, and would ask
that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be
included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration.
With best wishes, I remain
Sincerely,
Henry J. Hyde,
Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. I regret that the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), who has been a lead sponsor for
many years, and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) cannot be
here, that there was not able to be worked out accommodations so that
they and others who have worked together on a bipartisan bill could be
present.
When I talk about the efforts of these gentlemen on a bipartisan
basis, I really mean it. The bill was signed originally into law in
2000. It was after years of work and years when it was not at all clear
that there could be an agreement regarding trade with African nations.
So let me proceed, if I might; and my hope remains that others will
still be able to make it. I think under the circumstances, it is going
to be exceedingly difficult for them to participate, and I want to
express again my regret.
The history of this bill, as I mentioned, is one of effort over the
years. And if one looks at what has happened since then, I think one
will come to
[[Page H3888]]
this conclusion: that this has been a useful endeavor, that we needed
to open up our relationships with African nations; that we needed to do
so on many bases, economic trade being one but an important one, and
that there had been for a long time an ignoring of the importance of
our relationship with African nations.
I think the last few years have shown that this was an important
idea. In terms of our economic relationships, there has been an
improvement. There has been a greater flow back and forth. And in trade
issues it is important to look at the flow both ways, and in this case
there has been an increased amount of activity both from here to Africa
and from African nations back to the United States in the billions of
dollars.
So this has not been a cure-all, and no one would pretend that it has
been or really could be. This has not brought an absolutely new day
within African nations or in our relationship. But it has helped; and
as a result, a number of countries in Africa have found their exports
to the U.S. increasing, and I think that has fortified activities
within those countries. And I think there has been mutual benefit. No
one should think in trade it is always win-win on all sides. There are
impacts both positive and negative; but I think if we look over the
general trend, AGOA has been an important step in the right direction.
If we do not pass this legislation, what would happen is that all of
a sudden this experiment, this endeavor, this step forward in our
relationship would cease. It would mean in the important area of
apparel and textiles that African nations would be at a more serious
disadvantage with other countries than they might otherwise be. And I
think when we look at the overall picture, that would be bad for
Africa; and that would be bad for the United States. The quotas come
off on apparel and textiles at the end of this year. We need to get
ready for that event. I think it is important that we continue this
relationship with African countries.
So I urge support for this. It is not wise or prudent for us in this
country after these years of AGOA to say that it should end. It is not
wise after these years of increasing relationships economically that we
say essentially we are turning our back. Again, this is only one factor
in relationship to Africa and to African countries. It is only one
factor in building up the ties between our two continents that are so
important now and for the future. But it has on balance been, I think,
an important building block, and I do not think it is wise at all to
remove it at this point, and that is what is threatened here.
So I urge support for this. I do so on behalf of the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Rangel). I do so on behalf of the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. McDermott), who also could not be here quite yet, and
on behalf of the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson). And while I
do not speak for those on the other side, I do want to say to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and others who have worked so
hard on this that I think it is important that we continue this effort.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Africa
Subcommittee of the Committee on International Relations.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, as an original sponsor of this legislation, I
have welcomed working with the gentleman from California (Chairman
Thomas) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), ranking member;
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott); the gentleman from
Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson); the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane); the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), and other Members from both
sides of the aisle who have been advancing the AGOA program for years
now.
Since becoming chairman of the Africa Subcommittee 7 years ago, one
of our top priorities has been working to see that Africa does not fall
off the edge of the world's economic map; and, frankly, Africa is
teetering on that edge. Fortunately, though, AGOA has been a lifeline
for Africa to the global economy.
Today, 3 years into the AGOA program, we know that it has worked.
Many of us that have worked on this legislation, of course, wish that
more African countries and more African industries were taking
advantage of AGOA, and we wish they particularly would take advantage
of AGOA in agriculture. That is why this legislation includes trade
capacity-building provisions, but in a few short years AGOA has managed
to draw hundreds of millions of dollars of foreign investment to the
continent, creating hundreds of thousands of desperately needed jobs.
This makes AGOA the most effective of our development programs for
Africa that I am aware of.
Several Members, in fact, have had the opportunity to visit these
apparel plants as we have traveled to Africa to see this encouraging
development firsthand. Africans are meeting world-class standards for
manufactured goods. This makes AGOA a big morale boost for many African
countries. AGOA has also encouraged difficult economic reforms as
African countries have strived to maintain their eligibility for AGOA.
AGOA has also bolstered our political relations with many African
governments. Few African officials that I have met with have not
expressed their support and appreciation for AGOA. They almost always
begin the meeting by explaining how it has brought economic reform to
their country and increased trade with the United States. This is
important diplomatic capital that our country has gained through AGOA.
The African continent, frankly, is at a crossroads. The vision many
of us have is of an Africa that joins the world economy, the vision
that we have had of working for an increasingly stable and democratic
Africa that is combating HIV/AIDS and exporting and importing more
goods and services, including from America. That is the vision that we
share, I think, on this floor.
The other very different path Africa could get stuck on leads to even
greater poverty and greater hunger and conflict and, frankly, greater
disease and environmental degradation. It is unclear which way Africa
is headed. Challenges on the continent are immense. But what is quite
clear is that our growing security and economic interests on the
continent would suffer greatly should Africa find itself on the
downward path.
{time} 1445
If the U.S. Congress fails to pass this AGOA legislation before the
third country fabric provisions expire in September, as we have heard
today, if we fail to extend it for 3 years, we will be undoing much of
the good that AGOA has done. Greater competition from China and other
countries is coming soon, as apparel trading rules are set to change.
Unless we act, this competition will surely wipe out much of Africa's
young apparel industry and many African jobs that AGOA has created,
and, frankly, it will wipe out much African hope. Already apparel
orders for Africa are being canceled because of the uncertainty over
Congress' action. We must act. Our credibility as a Nation that takes
an interest in the world's poorest countries is on the line. Let us act
and do our part to direct Africa away from a path of despair.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4103. I thank the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the other Members that have
worked with the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) to support
this legislation.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).
Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Michigan for his kindness of yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, regretfully, I rise to oppose H.R. 4103, the Africa
Growth and Opportunity Acceleration Act of 2004. I am deeply concerned
by the fact that this bill only deepens the discriminatory U.S. trade
policies towards sub-Saharan African nations created by the original
2000 act, Public Law 106-200. It is indefensible, Mr. Speaker, that the
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act has been and remains the only U.S.
trade program under which countries must be annually certified as
meeting an extensive list of unilateral, and, frankly,
[[Page H3889]]
counterproductive conditions before being granted benefits.
Other U.S. preferential trade programs with Andean countries,
Caribbean and Central American nations contain a more limited set of
conditions and nations are considered eligible throughout the term of
the program unless action is taken to petition them out. The Africa
Growth and Opportunity Act sets a double standard for Africa.
Some of the most outrageous conditional adversities of H.R. 4103
include, first, sub-Saharan African countries must pursue policies that
are deemed to be in line with U.S. national security and foreign policy
interests, even if those interests run contrary to U.S. national
security or foreign policy interests in the interest of domestic
security within their own nations. It does not mean that they are
against U.S. national security interests, it simply means they have
their own national security interests that must be concerned and
paramount for their governments.
Second, a further undermining of sovereignty by insisting on
liberalization and privatization policies, such as water privatization.
Now, imagine that; the privatization of water in sub-Saharan Africa,
where increasingly there are a number of droughts. Who would come up
with the idea that privatization policies, such as water privatization,
should be a priority in H.R. 4103? But it is in this legislation. The
removal of state controls on foreign investments, price controls and
subsidies.
Third, the unilateral requirement that U.S. investors doing business
in African Growth and Opportunity countries must be granted national
investor status.
Fourth, countries must provide full legal protection and enforcement
for intellectual property rights, including the private ownership of
African seeds and animal genetic materials.
H.R. 4103 ignores the most serious existing problems of the Africa
Growth and Opportunity Act, which I opposed in 2000. I might add, Mr.
Speaker, I was one of a handful of members of the Congressional Black
Caucus that opposed the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act for these
reasons. I might add that an overwhelming number of members of the
Congressional Black Caucus, including the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Rangel) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson) and others,
are supportive of AGOA.
This bill, however, continues to impose upon African nations a set of
policies that have been proven to undermine development, but benefit
U.S. multinational corporations and foreign investors, in exchange for
meager market access benefits.
This bill in 2000 was sold to the American people as trade, not aid;
a helping hand, but not a handout. But by eliminating these
conditionalities and the annual review, I am convinced this is the only
way to ensure equal treatment for our African trading partners, as we
have sought to create equal treatment for Andean, Caribbean and Central
American nations as well. Why the double standard for Africa? Why the
annual recertification of African partners, if in fact we believe that
these African nations are our genuine and honest partners?
If we are to attach any conditions to the Africa Growth and
Opportunity Act Program, our interests, from my perspective, would far
better be served by an insistence on better treatment for factory
workers and stronger legal protections for union activities in these
countries. If we genuinely expect trade to help lift people out of
poverty, we cannot continue to burden these countries with rules and
requirements that undermine development and leave workers powerless to
fight the exploitation and abuse that is an integral part of the
corporate race to the bottom.
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I respectfully cannot support H.R.
4103.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Brown).
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Michigan for
his leadership on trade issues, and I want to echo the words of the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) in his opposition to H.R. 4103.
H.R. 4103 represents another lost opportunity in terms of
international trade, in terms of our dealings with Africa. We have
failed Africa in this body on aid issues, we have failed Africa in this
body on trade issues. This lost opportunity of H.R. 4103 is embodied in
the fact that we could have lifted up standards for African workers and
for American workers and for our trade agreements and trade relations.
But what is embodied in H.R. 4103 runs through our entire trade policy.
The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) talked about loss of
sovereignty in the developing world; that we have through various kinds
of programs for all kinds of trade adjustments, all kinds of other
issues, what has run through our programs is loss of sovereignty, the
push to privatization in these countries. He mentioned privatization of
their water system, that we have come in through structural adjustment
and other programs, forcing cutting of health benefits, cutting of
education benefits. We have lost opportunity in H.R. 4103 to allow and
encourage and push in allowing unionization, allowing the ability to
bargain collectively and to organize in the developing world.
Instead, we are, as the gentleman said, engaging in a corporate race
to the bottom. We have done that with the North American Free Trade
Agreement, we have done it with our trade agreements with Singapore and
Chile. We did it 4 years ago with the first round of AGOA. We are doing
it again today.
Instead, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) introduced 4 years
ago what would be a prototype on trade agreements, to lift up
standards, to encourage unionization, to have international labor
organization standards, to have environmental standards, to have food
safety standards, to guarantee sovereignty, to move away from the kinds
of privatization and undercutting sovereignty that we have too often
done through structural adjustment and other methods in the developing
world.
This H.R. 4103, the acceleration of AGOA, only hurts the developing
world, only hurts U.S. workers. Ultimately it helps in the corporate
race to the bottom, it helps add to corporate coffers, corporate
profits. It does nothing for workers in Africa or in the United States.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
I was going to make the point that under AGOA, and there are 37
countries that have qualified for the African Growth and Opportunity
Act, this act is supported in fact by all the governments of Africa. We
have heard from their diplomatic corps. We have heard that increased
trade from Africa as a result of this act, drastically increased trade,
has been a win for Africa and has been a win for the United States.
But I did want to clarify one point. There have been no countries
that have been dropped from this list because of water issues or
questions about privatization of water, and there certainly have been
no countries dropped because of intellectual property rights issues.
The one case of a country that was dropped from eligibility for AGOA
is the case of Eritrea. In this particular instance, it goes to the
issue of human rights, and human rights, because this is a unilateral
trade preference granted these governments, there is an expectation
that they will conform to worldwide, accepted practices.
Now, this is not just an issue with the United States; this is an
issue worldwide. I would just take, for example, the case of Aster
Yohannes, who was studying here in the United States. She went back to
see her children in Eritrea and was arrested at the airport. Before
making that trip, she checked with the ambassador from Eritrea, she was
given assurances she could safely go back to her country. She checked
with me and I talked with the ambassador, and in writing I was given
this assurance. This is not just, as I say, an issue with the United
States, these human rights abuses. They are worldwide, because the
entire press corps has been arrested in Eritrea, the political
opposition has been arrested.
So under these particular circumstances, it is not just the U.S., but
the world community, that has launched a campaign to try to have
[[Page H3890]]
some reform in Eritrea, and this is why it is not on the list. I
thought it would be good to take a moment to explain that, and also
explain that it does not go to the issue of national security inside
Eritrea, it goes to human rights.
The last point I just wanted to make is that many of these apparel
jobs in Africa will otherwise go to China if we do not follow forward
and extend AGOA, the provision for third country fabric in AGOA. I
think all of the Members here understand how important this particular
program of AGOA has been to the continent, and would like to move
forward. So I urge passage of this legislation.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, very briefly, I am glad the gentleman from California
(Mr. Royce) described the general structure of AGOA. I think that is
sometimes lost. It operates within essentially the GSP system. So there
are provisions and there are safeguards, as mentioned, relating to
human rights, and the same is true if our country pursues them relating
to core labor standards.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I will place in the record a statement of administration
policy. It starts, ``The administration strongly supports House passage
of H.R. 4103.''
I would say to my colleague from Illinois and my colleague from Ohio,
that I do not see on the floor, that this broad-based, bipartisan
coalition is always open to having pointed out our inability to be as
responsive to Africa as perhaps many would want. One of my responses
back would be, notwithstanding all of the things that need to be done,
this was a piece of legislation that languished for a long time.
To the degree that we can do better, we always want to focus on doing
better. But with the underlying provisions expiring in September, what
we need is momentum now, with an understanding that far more needs to
be done. This is the start of a positive, cooperative, mutually
beneficial relationship with a portion of Africa, here sub-Saharan
Africa. It ought not to be the only legislation that we ever consider
and that we need to work together to move forward.
{time} 1500
But it is the only legislation available within the time frame prior
to the expiration of the current legislation.
So I would tell my friend, the gentleman from Illinois, that I look
forward to working with him on additional pieces of legislation, with
the understanding that our goal is to be bipartisan and make law. What
we cannot do in dealing with Africa is to be partisan and make
statements. That has gone on far too long.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the
African Growth and Opportunity Act, H.R. 4103 and am a co-sponsor of
the legislation. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
authorizes the President to provide duty-free treatment under the U.S.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for any article when imported
from African countries if the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
and the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) have
determined that the article is not import sensitive with respect to
imports from sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.
On December 21, 2000, the President extended duty free treatment
under GSP to AGOA-eligible countries for more than 1,800 tariff line
items in addition to the standard GSP list of approximately 4,600 items
available to non-AGOA GSP beneficiary countries. The duty-free
treatment for the additional 1,800 products available to AGOA countries
only, implemented after an extensive process of public comment and
review, include such previously GSP-excluded items as footwear,
luggage, handbags, watches, and flatware.
Currently, only a small number of countries receive substantial
benefits, and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that do not receive
preferences for clothing have yet to see an impact of AGOA on their
overall exports.
However, the benefits from exporting clothing under AGOA appear
fragile in the face of the removal of quotas in the United States on
major suppliers, such as China, at the end of 2004, and the planned
removal of the liberal rules of origin that allow for the global
sourcing of fabrics from least-cost locations.
While the general business climate has improved since the passage of
AGOA, the steady growth in the petroleum and mining sectors probably
would have occurred due to other market factors. Also, growth in these
sectors produces relatively low direct benefits to Africa's poor.
Currently, one third of Africa's population is undernourished and
nearly half live on less than $1 a day. Most of the poor live in rural
areas and depend largely on agriculture, which accounts for 35 percent
of sub-Saharan Africa's gross domestic product, 40 percent of its
exports, and 70 percent of its employment. Expanding AGOA's application
to African agriculture would have a significant impact on reducing
hunger and poverty, and therefore on improving overall conditions in
sub-Saharan Africa. The International Food Policy Research Institute
estimated that a 1 percent increase in agricultural productivity would
raise the income of six million African people above $1 per day. A $1
increase in agricultural production generates about $2.32 in economic
growth. Thus, expanding market access and lowering trade barriers for
African agricultural products through AGOA will have the greatest
impact, not only on the poorest people in SSA but also on national
economies.
AGOA has laid a strong foundation for dialogue and partnership
between U.S. and African governments and businesses. It fosters an
environment that is stimulating new development and investments in SSA.
The annual U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation
Forum, along with the parallel events sponsored by business and civil
society groups, facilitate contacts and strengthen relationships. There
is also an increased understanding within Africa of the complexities,
challenges and opportunities of economic and political reform, which
will enable African business to be more competitive in the global
economy. Yet all of these accomplishments remain only the first steps
toward what many hope will be a much fuller and more mutually
beneficial trade and investment engagement between Africa and the
United States.
Inclusion of textile products with appropriate labor and U.S.
industry input, and a number of high-duty agricultural products would
also help to broaden the range of opportunities for African exporters
in the U.S. market.
Mr. Speaker, for the reasons above, I support the passage of this
bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, Africa stands taller and prouder today.
From Lesotho, to Nigeria, to Uganda, Sub-Saharan African nations joined
together and spoke as one. Their voice was eloquent and urgent, and
America listened.
Today, 400 million Africans live on less than a dollar a day. But
there is great promise for the future. Today, HIV/AIDS claims millions
of lives in Sub-Saharan Africa. But there is hope for the future.
Today, Sub-Saharan Africa looks inward to make the social, political
and economic changes that will rekindle its pre-eminence on a great
continent.
All that Africa is, all that Africa represents, has inspired and
united the political parties in the House of Representatives.
Africa bridged America's political divide with a profound affirmation
of its past and a persuasive optimism about its future.
For the first time in a long time, Democrats and Republicans in the
People's House did not cross swords.
Instead, we locked arms and reached for something bigger than any one
political leader or party.
Today, America spoke as one people-extending our hands, our hearts,
ourselves, to the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The winds of change are blowing across the Serengeti, and America has
joined the voices of Africa's leaders.
By overwhelming passing AGOA, the House of Representatives has
affirmed that Africa's Destiny is within Africa's reach.
The Trade opportunities AGOA provides will continue Sub-Sahara
Africa's economic development.
Every new step taken to develop these economies is another stride
toward self-sufficiency.
AGOA is a stride toward a better life for millions of African people.
AGOA is a blow to the spread of HIV/AIDS, a pandemic that threatens
to rob Africa of its brightest promise--its people.
AGOA will expand trade which in turn will attract new capital and
encourage the development of new infrastructure.
Roads bring goods to market and roads will bring visitors to Eco-
tourism parks.
The majesty of a lion roaming free in Africa's great nature parks
will be Africa's symbol of a great continent awakening.
The nobility, grace and dignity of a great nation distant land is
closer to us today.
We should all be proud that the People's House reached across the
ocean in friendship and joined Africa on its journey to reach its
deserved destiny.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion
[[Page H3891]]
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4103, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________