[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               U.S. WANTS TO COMPETE FOR A WORLD EXPO ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the U.S. 
Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act (H.R. 534).
  World Expos are gatherings of millions of people from around the 
globe exploring ideas, innovation and international understanding. A 
World Expo is a six month long event that highlights the very best that 
the host city and nation has to offer in science, technology, 
innovation, and culture. It is no wonder that states and cities across 
the United States are interested in competing on the global stage and 
hosting a World Expo. A city that hosts a World Expo instantly becomes 
a global destination.
  My home state of Minnesota is competing against Buenos Aires, 
Argentina and Lodz, Poland to host the 2023 World Expo. Minnesota's bid 
intends to focus on health innovation based on the theme ``Wellness and 
Well-Being for All.'' Minnesota's healthcare industry is advanced, 
global, and innovative--and it deserves the spotlight. Hosting the 
World Expo in 2023 would be a remarkable event for the people of my 
state.
  Unfortunately, an American state or city competing to host a World 
Expo is currently at an almost insurmountable disadvantage because the 
United States is not a member of the Bureau of International 
Expositions (BIE)--the governing body for World Expos. Unless Congress 
affirmatively authorizes the State Department to rejoin the BIE, from 
which the United States withdrew almost two decades ago, it is unlikely 
that Minnesota or any other state or city will be awarded a World Expo.
  The U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act is a bipartisan effort 
that levels the playing field. It authorizes the Secretary of State to 
take the steps to rejoin the BIE immediately. By ending this harmful 
self-imposed isolation from the BIE, the United States will once again 
be in a position to host a World Expo and showcase the innovation, 
culture, and beauty of our great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 534, legislation 
that lets our country compete for the many benefits provided by hosting 
a World Expo.

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