Mike Honda: “I come to the floor today as the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus. This caucus was…”

“I come to the floor today as the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus. This caucus was established to give a legislative voice to the specific concerns of the Ethiopian American community. Founded in 2001, the caucus is comprised of Members who appreciate the critical relationship between Ethiopia and the U.S. and value the contributions of Ethiopian Americans to our Nation. Congressman John Garamendi and I co-chair this caucus of nearly 20 Members of Congress. President Obama's upcoming visit to Ethiopia on July 27, which is next Monday, will be the very first visit to this nation of 97 million people by a sitting American President. Ethiopia has Africa's second largest population and is a nation with a rich, independent cultural history. And, by the way, Ethiopia is the only African country in that continent that has not ever been colonized. It is a country of growing economic, humanitarian, and strategic importance to the United States. Accompanying these opportunities are many challenges that face Ethiopia today. Situated at the center of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is located in an unstable region, making it a key ally of the United States in combating radical extremists in the region. Ethiopia has a checkered humanitarian record, and the government must learn to embrace the voices of political dissent and promote basic human and civil rights.…”