Recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Millennium Challenge Corporation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Established by Congress in 2004, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has had tremendous success reducing poverty, building sustainable economic growth, and promoting good governance in lower income countries.

Over the past two decades, MCC has invested nearly $17 billion in 86 projects across 50 countries, delivering results for over a quarter billion people in sectors including agriculture, energy, health care, transportation, and education. MCC's data driven, evidence-based approach to foreign assistance is a vital model to address the challenges of our times. The agency's focus on results paired with rigorous transparency, and oversight standards ensures we are investing in the most effective solutions in partner countries that share our values.

These efforts not only improve people's lives and promote stability, resilience, and growth, but also crucially advance U.S. global development priorities and national security goals. As geopolitical and social challenges around the world continue to evolve, it is essential to recognize the value investments in programs that build resilient communities and promote poverty reduction have on our national security.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the incredible work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for the last 20 years and look forward to its continued success.

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