[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AGOA AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE RELATIONS 
                              WITH AFRICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2018

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the privilege of 
attending the annual forum on the African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA), where we focused on forging new strategies for U.S.-Africa 
trade and investment. It was an honor meeting with African leaders to 
continue the discussion on how we can continue to develop trade between 
the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.
   I want to thank all of the Members of Congress who have worked 
together to support and maintain the African Growth and Opportunity 
Act. Since the legislation's passage in 2000, the strong bipartisan 
support that AGOA has received is proof of our nation's commitment to 
expanding global markets for U.S. goods and services. It shows that at 
our core, despite President Trump's protectionist views on trade and 
recent attacks on our allies, we as Americans value any opportunity to 
strengthen international relations and develop strong democracies.
   Trade with Africa has greatly benefited the United States and 
Africa. By allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market for exports 
from 40 sub-Saharan countries, AGOA offers African countries tangible 
incentives to continue their efforts in opening their economies, while 
also reinforcing internationally recognized human rights. While 
exporting $13.8 billion in goods to the United States under the act in 
2017, AGOA nations also continued to make efforts to enact policies 
that observe the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due 
process, fighting poverty and corruption along the way. As a member of 
the Ways and Means committee, and as a representative of the state of 
Alabama, whose economy is highly dependent on trade, I will continue to 
be supportive of AGOA because it promotes investment and strengthens 
our global economy.
  I applaud both American and African government officials, the private 
sector, and the people of the AGOA nations for working so hard to 
maximize the benefits of AGOA. I encourage us to continue working 
together to enhance our commitment to Africa.

                          ____________________