[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPANDING STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND BRAZIL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2007

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today strong support of my 
resolution--H. Res. 651--which recognizes the expanding strategic 
relationship between the United States and Brazil. This resolution also 
commends Brazil on successfully reducing its dependence on oil by 
finding alternative ways to satisfy its energy needs and recognizes the 
importance of the March 9, 2007 United States--Brazil Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) on biofuels cooperation.
  For years, Brazil has flown below the radar in the United States. We 
never paid much attention to what was happening in the largest country 
in South America. But I believe that we are reaching the end of this 
period of ignorance and neglect and that we, in America, are finally 
waking up not only to Brazil's importance, but also to how natural this 
relationship should be.
  Brazil occupies almost half of the continent of South America and is 
the fifth most populous country in the world. Its economy is the 
eleventh largest in the world, the largest in Latin America, and one of 
the largest in the developing world. Secretary of State Condoleezza 
Rice has called Brazil ``the regional leader and our global partner.'' 
These are words we reserve for only a few countries--those where 
partnership is truly advantageous for both of us.
  Brazil is also the right country with which to cooperate on 
alternative energy sources. Brazil and the United States are by far the 
world's largest ethanol producers. In 2006, the two countries together 
produced 69 percent of ethanol in the world. And Brazil has become a 
global leader on alternative energy. By the end of 2006, 80 percent of 
new car sales in Brazil were flex-fuel, meaning they can run on a 
mixture of ethanol and gasoline.
  On March 9th, the U.S. and Brazil signed a Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) to promote greater cooperation on ethanol and 
biofuels in the Western Hemisphere. Our bilateral partnership is 
establishing both countries as leaders in the energy field in the 
hemisphere. I am particularly pleased by joint U.S.-Brazilian efforts 
to provide technical assistance to build biofuels industries in third 
countries, including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, El Salvador and St. 
Kitts and Nevis. This resolution commends these efforts and also 
encourages U.S. and Brazilian officials to quickly move to a second 
wave of countries to receive similar technical assistance.
  Many argue that for too long, the U.S. has focused its agenda in the 
hemisphere on ``trade and drugs'' at the exclusion of other elements. 
The deepening of our energy cooperation with our friends in the 
hemisphere--particularly Brazil--is helping us to develop a positive 
agenda that I hope will continue to grow in the coming years.
  I am also pleased to announce today that I will be leading a 
bipartisan congressional delegation to Brazil on November 25th and I 
encourage my colleagues to join me on this trip.
  I want to close by noting that there is a cynical, old adage about 
Brazil that says, ``Brazil is the land of the future, and always will 
be.'' Brazil's leadership at home, in the Americas and throughout the 
world is proving this statement to be false. I truly believe that 
Brazil's time has come. As Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairman, I 
look forward to continuing to focus intensively on Brazil--a vital 
partner and friend.
  I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 651.

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