Rush Calls For Recognition Of The Strategic And Economic Importance Of Africa In The 21st Century

Press Release

Building on the historic opportunity that currently exists as the progressive leadership of the Obama Administration continues to enhance America's international standing, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) has introduced a House resolution that makes clear that circumstances exist that offer a unique opportunity for the United States to redefine its historic economic and trade relationship with the continent of Africa. House Concurrent Resolution 128, introduced with 11 original co-sponsors, outlines a set of conditions that Rush views as a unique opportunity for the United States to re-define its economic relationship with Africa. He believes that now is the time for America's trade policy toward Africa should change from one that views it as a continent primarily in need of humanitarian relief to that of a vital partner in the world economy with abundant economic opportunities for current and future generations.

"Simply put, I believe the time has come for American trade policy to reflect a more enlightened view toward the continent Africa so that it's not just thought of as a place that needs humanitarian aid but, rather, as a continent comprised of a community of nations with diverse development and economic needs and opportunities," said Rush who chairs the House subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

"Currently, the U. S. does not appear to have a clearly defined path forward that will substantively open up expanded opportunities for trade, especially between small, minority- and women-owned businesses. Ample evidence points to the fact that a sound policy in this regard can benefit the economies of the U.S. and many nations on the continent of Africa. This resolution represents my commitment, along with other national leaders, to do all we can to help elevate the discussion on how America's business and economic policies toward Africa can be permanently changed for the better."

H. Con. Res. 128, in part, notes that the non-profit organization Freedom House concluded, this year, that 19 African countries are electoral democracies and asserted that these include "some of the most promising examples of new democracies in the world—places where leaders who came to power through fair and competitive elections provide real opportunities for their citizens to live in freedom." The resolution also notes that the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has entered into 11 compacts with African countries, worth nearly $4.5 billion, reflecting these countries' commitment to policies that promote political and economic freedom, investments in education and health, the sustainable use of natural resources, control of corruption, and respect for civil liberties and the rule of law.

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