[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 11 (Monday, March 16, 1998)]
[Page 416]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on House of Representatives Action on the ``African Growth and 
Opportunity Act''

March 11, 1998

    In this year's State of the Union Address, I asked Congress to 
support an initiative to strengthen economic ties to Africa. Today, I am 
pleased that Congress has taken an important step forward on legislation 
that will open a new era of U.S.-African trade and investment relations. 
The strong bipartisan vote in the House in support of the ``African 
Growth and Opportunity Act'' offers the way for a brighter future for 
Africa.
    The United States has a vital stake in a stable, prosperous Africa. 
Later this month, when I travel to Africa, I will deliver the message 
that the United States stands ready to be a partner in Africa's 
prosperity. A majority of sub-Saharan Africa's 48 countries have adopted 
market-oriented economic and political reforms in the past seven years. 
A stronger, stable, prosperous Africa will be a better economic partner, 
a better partner for security and peace, and a better partner in the 
fight against the new transnational threats of drug trafficking, crime, 
terrorism, the spread of disease and environmental degradation. This 
bill--by significantly broadening market access, spurring growth in 
Africa, and helping the poorest nations eliminate or reduce their 
bilateral debt--would help African nations that are committed to 
undertake difficult economic reforms to build better lives for their 
people.
    We have an historic opportunity to support the renaissance in 
Africa. I want to commend Speaker Gingrich, Chairman Archer, Congressman 
Rangel, Congressman McDermott, Congressman Crane, Chairman Gilman, 
Congressman Hamilton, Congressman Payne, Congresswoman McKinney, 
Congressman Jefferson, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Waters, 
Congressman Royce, Congressman Menendez, and all those who have devoted 
themselves to helping that transformation. I look forward to working 
with the Senate to enact this landmark legislation as quickly as 
possible.