[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 699

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce H. Res. 699, 
Welcoming African leaders to the first United States-Africa Leaders' 
Summit and African trade ministers to the 13th Forum of the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
  At the start of the new millennium, the United States Congress 
enacted the African Growth and Opportunity Act--AGOA--with broad, 
bipartisan support and with a view to expanding growth and opportunity 
in Africa like never before. In this legislation, Congress called for 
the establishment of high-level dialogues, including regular meetings 
by the President with his African counterparts. Now, fourteen years 
later, that vision is coming true.
  Next week, the largest delegation of African heads-of-state in United 
States history will make its way to the White House. This will truly be 
a great day for America and a great day for our friends and partners 
from across the African continent, and I take immense pleasure in 
welcoming this historic delegation to our nation's capital.
  Africa has six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world, 
over one billion people, sixty percent of the world's uncultivated 
agricultural land, and is likely to replace China as the biggest 
contributor to the global workforce by 2050. The people of Africa share 
the hopes and aspirations of all Americans for peace and prosperity 
across both our lands, and they are committed to strengthening economic 
relations through mutually beneficial trade and investment 
opportunities which promote economic growth, development, poverty 
reduction, democracy, stability, and the rule of law.
  The African Growth and Opportunity Act is one of those opportunities, 
and I would like to use this chance to emphasize the importance of 
renewing AGOA well before its expiration in September 2015. Since the 
passage of AGOA, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa have increased from 
$6.9 billion to $23.9 billion, per capita income in sub-Saharan Africa 
has more than tripled, and U.S. investment in sub-Saharan Africa has 
increased six-fold.
  Mr. Speaker, this Resolution, which already has broad, bipartisan 
support, recognizes the significant progress and hope that modern 
Africa represents today in global affairs and economic advancement with 
its booming demographics, increasing modernization, dynamic youth, and 
vast resources; and it acknowledges the many paths available for 
boosting cultural, trade, and economic relations and partnerships 
between the United States and Africa.
  It is in the economic and national security interests of the United 
States to engage and compete in emerging African markets, to foster 
U.S.-Africa trade and investment, to support greater capacity building 
for Africa, and to invest in Africa's youth and emerging leaders. It is 
also in our national interest to advocate good governance, a respect 
for human rights and constitutional term limits, and support for civil 
society organizations which contribute to enduring economic and social 
development.
  Mr. Speaker, this Resolution demonstrates that the United States 
Congress stands beside Africa in promoting peace and prosperity on both 
sides of the Atlantic. I look forward to your timely support of H. Res. 
699 on the eve of the United States-Africa Leaders' Summit, as we 
prepare to welcome our African friends and partners to this nation's 
great capital for a truly historic occasion. Thank you very much.

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