[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   INCLUDE APPROPRIATIONS FOR LIBERIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2006

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has opened a new 
chapter in Africa's history as its first female head-of-state. Her 
election marks a turning point for Liberia, a long-time ally of the 
United States, which has recently been debilitated by war, corruption, 
and civil strife. I met with President Sirleaf in Liberia three weeks 
ago and I know she has the skills and vision it will take to rebuild 
Liberia and bring hope to its people.
  In her inaugural speech, President Sirleaf promised to give Liberian 
women ``prominence in all affairs of our country.'' The 21st Century 
could well be the century of the woman, not only in Liberia, but around 
the world. In the past year, first female heads of state were elected 
in Liberia, Chile, and Germany, and Finland re-elected its first female 
president. A recent U.S. poll showed that 92 percent of Americans are 
ready to elect a female president. But for now, Liberia is a step ahead 
of the United States.
  The U.S. and Liberia have long shared close ties, dating back to 
1819, when Congress appropriated $100,000 that helped lead to the 
founding of the country. The end of Liberia's civil war and President 
Sirleaf's election present a unique opportunity to maximize the close 
ties between our countries.
  I support Congressman Jesse Jackson and Chairman Jim Clyburn's call 
to include appropriations for Liberia in the President's supplemental 
request. President Bush has committed to spreading democracy around the 
world. This is a unique opportunity to build a democracy in a nation 
that is starting anew. Rewarding Liberia for its democratic progress 
would send the right signal to other African nations.
  President Sirleaf still faces many challenges and will need our 
support to succeed. Despite its small gross national income, Liberia 
has $2.56 billion in outstanding international debt. HIV/AIDS is 
spreading at an increasing rate and 708,000 Liberians, just under a 
third of the population, receive food assistance each month. U.S. 
assistance to Liberia has decreased in recent years; it will have to 
increase for President Sirleaf to meet these humanitarian needs.
  President Sirleaf will also need help building democracy. 
Consolidating the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2003 and pursuing 
transitional justice against war criminals remain immediate priorities. 
The U.S. should offer its diplomatic backing to encourage other states 
in the region to help Liberia find resolution.
  In her inaugural address, President Sirleaf committed to a new era of 
democracy, economic renewal, and good governance for Liberia. Upon her 
second state visit to the United States, we welcome President Sirleaf 
and offer our support for her mission to lead Liberia to better times.

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