Rep. Corrine Brown: “I want to say that I am a strong supporter of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. For many years we have worked to…”

“I want to say that I am a strong supporter of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. For many years we have worked to bring Africa to the world table with trade and economic development, and today will be an historical day for our country. I also want to commend President Clinton for his upcoming trip to Africa, where he will be the first sitting United States President to visit Africa to promote relations and trade. Many Americans are descendents of slaves brought here from Africa. In fact, it is estimated that 400 million Africans died in the slave trade process. This bill is just a first step in reworking our relationship with Africa. I think it makes an incredible statement to finally establish a positive economic cooperation between this country and Africa, and we must take this opportunity to do it. Infrastructure is a key component of economic growth and development, and it is the country's vision for economic success. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have seen this in our own country. I support the Davis amendment because it is critical that these countries have the proper equipment with which to grow. Our excess air traffic control equipment and technical assistance in this area could be very beneficial to these countries. This bill and this amendment is the first of what I hope are many steps toward developing economic and political relationships with Africa.”