Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me, with enthusiasm, thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Royce, and the ranking member, both my friends…”

“Let me, with enthusiasm, thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Royce, and the ranking member, both my friends, and my friend from New York (Mr. Engel). We have worked together on a number of issues. I am both a student of Nigeria and a Member of Congress who has one of the largest--I am being polite. I believe I have the largest population of Nigerian Americans in my congressional area, which is in Houston, Texas. And we are very proud of the contributions that Africans from the continent but, in particular, in this instance, Nigerian Americans have made over the years. I am also privileged to chair with Congressman Chabot the Nigerian Caucus. I invite my colleagues to join because Nigeria is the largest population and I think the largest economy. I know that South Africa has been touted as such, but the numbers go up and down. There are many good people in Nigeria who want a better education for their children and for that economy to help develop all of Nigeria. I represent a number of energy companies who have been in Nigeria for at least half a century. But, more importantly, we have seen Nigeria do some very positive things. And might I first make sure that I mention Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who I know is en route. I want to thank her for her leadership on this legislation. I am delighted to cosponsor. I had likewise introduced legislation that was legislation sponsored by myself and Congressman Chabot.…”