[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 71 (Monday, May 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E704-E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNITION OF CAMEROON'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2013

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of 
Cameroon as it celebrates its National Day today, May 20th. Known by 
many as ``Africa in Miniature,'' Cameroon represents within its borders 
the whole of Africa's wondrous geographic diversity. This Central 
African nation, a strong ally of the United States, has made important 
strides both politically and economically over the past year.

[[Page E705]]

   For example, last month, on April 14th, Cameroon held its first 
Senatorial elections, fulfilling its Constitutional requirement to sit 
an upper house of its National Assembly. This new legislative body, 
which commenced its first session last week, reinforces the steps 
Cameroon has taken on its path to a full and vibrant democracy.
   On the economic front, Cameroon has also made important strides on 
its road toward responsible development by joining the Kimberley 
Process and working toward validation under the Extractive Industries 
Transparency Initiative. In January of this year, the Government 
approved the establishment of two new financial institutions to 
strengthen the financing of small and medium rural enterprises in 
Cameroon.
   Mr. Speaker, it must also be noted that Cameroon also represents the 
collective African desire to enhance bilateral trade with the United 
States and last month, I cosponsored legislation that would do just 
that. Among other things, H.R. 1777 would create jobs in the United 
States by increasing U.S. exports to Africa by at least 200 percent in 
real dollar value within 10 years. This legislation complements the 
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a system that reinforces 
African reform efforts and provides improved U.S. market access for 
African countries.
   African countries such as Cameroon benefit from AGOA in part because 
it helps build an economic foundation upon which a broader bilateral 
relationship can be built, and I urge my colleagues to support renewal 
of this important legislation before it expires in 2015.
   While Cameroon continues to make measured progress, challenges 
remain. Nevertheless, I am encouraged by the engagement that exists 
between our two nations, as it will help the Government of Cameroon 
consolidate its democratic gains and economic growth, both of which 
create a brighter future for the people of Cameroon.
   Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my best wishes to 
the people of Cameroon as they celebrate their National Day.

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