Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I was proud to introduce the Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act along with my Democratic colleague from Texas, Mr. Castro. In the nearly 20 years since its founding under President Bush, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has demonstrated a strong track record of success in its mission of combating poverty through economic growth. The agency has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, earned through strict project selection criteria and the ability to hold partner countries to a high standard of accountability. But the agency and its partners are facing new challenges. The Chinese Communist Party is increasing its malign influence in the developing world, often disguised as development assistance. The world is facing a food security crisis and other effects of Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine. Many countries risk losing progress on development and poverty reduction made over previous decades. This bill will ensure that the world's 125 poorest countries are eligible for potential consideration as candidate countries in the MCC's rigorous selection process. It adds stability to MCC's partnerships, and it ensures its ability to focus on the world's poorest populations, who are often the most vulnerable to debt traps and other forms of outside manipulation.…”