Eni Faleomavaega: “Mr. Speaker, the Congo River and its tributaries make up the most extensive network of navigable waterways in Africa…”

“Mr. Speaker, the Congo River and its tributaries make up the most extensive network of navigable waterways in Africa, and carry a volume of water second only to the Amazon River. In addition to being a major ecological region in Africa, it is the home to some of the world's poorest people. Throughout Central Africa, poverty rates are among the highest in the world. The actual prevalence of HIV-AIDS is unknown, but we know that poverty and war are the breeding ground for the rapid spread of diseases. Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents a unique opportunity to help the people of Central Africa to turn their biggest asset, the natural resources of the Congo River Basin, into a viable economic base. Conservation programs will help preserve natural areas and create jobs.”