Dana Rohrabacher: “the distinguished chairman and I have discussed the case of the Berhane family, U.S. citizens who had their private…”

“the distinguished chairman and I have discussed the case of the Berhane family, U.S. citizens who had their private businesses confiscated by the former Ethiopian government. While this occurred in 1977, the current government has not shown good faith in resolving this longstanding injustice. In 1999, the matter was nearly settled when the current Ethiopian government summarily deported Mr. Berhane to Eritrea. Despite lip service since, the Ethiopian government has not settled this matter. It should have been resolved years ago. Additionally, as the distinguished chairman knows, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has made a finding in support of the Berhane family claim and will not do business in Ethiopia until this issue has been settled. The CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Paul Applegarth, has indicated that the MCC may follow suit. Mr. Chairman, Ethiopia is eligible for more than $60 million of funding in this bill in its present form. The government of Ethiopia should understand that any government that refuses to deal with the legitimate claims of American citizens is jeopardizing its eligibility for assistance funded by the U.S. taxpayers.”