Gregory Meeks: “as a longtime proponent of the African Growth and Opportunity Extension Act, I rise today in support of this bipartisan…”

“as a longtime proponent of the African Growth and Opportunity Extension Act, I rise today in support of this bipartisan bill, H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act. Let me first thank Ways and Means Committee Chairman Smith, Chairman Smith of the Trade Subcommittee, Ranking Member Neal, and Ranking Member Linda Sanchez for working on this in a bipartisan way and getting it over the hurdle. Madam Speaker, I also have to think about an individual who mentored me. I cannot think about AGOA without thinking about the former chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the Honorable late Charles B. Rangel. He always spoke and thought of doing what he could for the continent of Africa. The African Growth and Opportunity Extension Act delivers significant economic benefit to the United States. In removing barriers to trade between the United States and Africa, AGOA has enabled approximately $1.8 billion in salaries for American workers each year. AGOA also provides approximately $1 billion in annual benefits to American consumers. The program has resulted in millions of American households enjoying lower prices for cocoa, coffee, and other goods that the United States cannot produce at home. American businesses understand the value of supporting robust U.S.- Africa trade, which supports more than 450,000 jobs across the United States.”