Karen Bass

I want to talk about the quality of the work that is done in Africa.

I also want to take this time to really express my deep personal sorrow to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the members on the loss of Donald Payne, who was a defender of truth, an advocate of just and honorable causes, and, above all, a man of…

Mr. Chairman, is China a competitor or a partner? A positive influence or a detractor to development in Africa?

My goal for this hearing is also to examine meaningful policy options to ensure the U.S. Government, our businesses, particularly small- and medium-size enterprises, are not missing out on valuable opportunities in Africa.

So let me give you an example that I heard, and maybe you can tell me if there is any legitimacy to it.

For us just to hand over the continent to them is really kind of... the responsibility is on us.

So on another note, thinking of those African students that are in China, and wanting to know how they are treated...

Thank you, Chairman Smith, once again for calling this important hearing to examine China's economic and political impact in Africa.

it is to hold China and other are countries to abide by international agreements and have them accede to things like the OECD.

by building that capacity, by building capability, by building democratic institutions, that becomes the greatest deterrent toward those bad practices.

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as ranking member, and to serve alongside of you and your leadership that you've had for so many years on these issues.

It's fitting that during this first subcommittee meeting after the loss of our friend and colleague that we're going to consider several measures aimed at protecting the most vulnerable among us, children, the disenfranchised, and the…

I want to commend you, Chairman Smith, for your dedication to promoting adherence to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

The clock is ticking on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for millions of Americans. In just three short weeks, people barely surviving on unemployment benefits will be out on the streets. In three short weeks, 160…

I am having difficulty understanding the difference that we make. Do we consider the Kabila government, do we consider it legitimate? I mean, what leverage do we have?

The challenge is making sure that the supply chains are secure, being able to know the provenance of the minerals.

I think that the administration is very devoted both to the National Action Plan where we are really focused in on postconflict and conflict regions, and trying to come up with measurable interventions that we can be held accountable for.

We are about to launch a new counter-trafficking policy at USAID in the next couple of weeks.

Every 9 minutes and 30 seconds someone is infected with HIV in the United States. Today, 34 million people worldwide live with HIV, and of those infected, 60 percent do not know they are positive. These staggering facts demand that we…

On rollcall No. 858 I was unable to be present as I was in California attending a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' ____________________

The U.S. has played a critical role in recovery efforts in Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Let me just very briefly----

I am offering a bipartisan amendment that will investigate and prevent human trafficking online.

I commend your diligence and dedication. And I look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue.

I would like to thank the ranking member of the Budget Committee, of which I'm very proud to be a member. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2560. I have to tell you, Madam Speaker, that to me it feels like Groundhog Day again here in the…