Chris Coons

How do we ensure the successful implementation of democracy and governance initiatives?

I think it's important that we now turn to our main focus today, which is U.S. policy options in response to entrenched African leadership.

Thank you very much, Senator Isakson, for that update, for your leadership on this issue, for your personal commitment and engagement.

I'm pleased to chair this hearing of the African Affairs Subcommittee.

Term limits encourage the development of new leadership and institutionalize a democratic process.

I'm pleased that among the policy aims of the United States in Africa is strengthening democracy and the systems of governance throughout the world.

I am grateful, Chairman Durbin, for your crafting a bill that insists on training, on data collection, and on a narrowly crafted response to a significant problem.

I would be interested in hearing, Ms. Cromer and Mr. Marin, about how the reality or the perception of danger, of the threat of terrorism, of corruption, is it or is it not a significant barrier to attracting interest in investment by…

Senator Isakson and I had an opportunity in Accra to visit with a number of different Commerce and State employees who were working hard on improving regional trade, on reducing barriers, both transportation and customs and less licit…

We are hopeful that the new generation of Nigerians will engage with their leadership so that the country will not stagnate or backslide, but rather work to shape a better future for all.

That is, I think, an important part of our having an all-of-government strategy to accessing these important and growing markets.

My last question for Ambassador Carson would simply be what do you think we ought to be doing, both in the Senate and as a government as a whole, in terms of improving our bilateral relationship with Nigeria?

We believe that there needs to be a comprehensive strategy, one in which the Government of Nigeria not only addresses the security threat, but equally addresses the socioeconomic problems that exist in northern Nigeria.

I would say this trade mission, which went to four countries, focused on the energy sector.

We know that you and U.S. Senators Durbin and Boozman, among many others, are committed to creating U.S. jobs and increasing U.S. exports to Africa.

The elections, while far from perfect, marked a dramatic improvement from the violence and lack of transparency that had marred previous Nigerian elections.

I am pleased to chair this hearing of the African Affairs Subcommittee, which will focus on Nigeria and pressing issues of security, governance, and trade.

Our trip then came on the heels of last year's elections and President Goodluck Jonathan's inauguration.

I'm concerned about trying to make clear whether or not Federal Government regulatory actions have contributed to these decisions to idle or close these refineries.

94.6% of federal subsidies over the last century have gone to oil and gas production, and nuclear energy.

There was a study that was recently released by DBL Investors that looks at the historical role of Federal subsidies in shaping the energy market.

In Delaware, where I'm from, we've had some real success in re-opening the Delaware City Refinery which was idled.

I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Mr. COONS pertaining to the introduction of S. 2194 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

I think we should continue to invest 1 percent of America's total budget in making sure that we have got the resources to be an effective voice for justice and for progress in these parts of the world.

What I think is so terrific about being here today is that this is truly one subject matter that both sides not only agree on, but have actively worked hard on.