Ann Wagner: “I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 965, the Young African Leaders…”

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 965, the Young African Leaders Initiative Act, led by Representative Bass and Representative Smith. YALI provides fellowship opportunities at U.S. universities and other training programs at Regional Leadership Centers throughout sub-Saharan Africa on leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and effective public administration. Not only is this an investment in future generations of African leaders, but this is also effective diplomacy. At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is ramping up exchange programs across the continent and establishing Confucius Institutes, programs like YALI are critical to providing alternate opportunities. I urge my colleagues to support this important measure. I yield back the balance of my time.”