WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky today delivered the following statement in response to a joint session of Congress welcoming newly elected Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Schakowsky first met Sirleaf, the female African head-of-state, on an official delegation trip to Liberia three weeks ago.

The full statement is below:

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has opened a new chapter in Africa’s history as its first female head-of-state. Her election marks a turning point for Liberia, a long-time ally of the United States, which has recently been debilitated by war, corruption, and civil strife. I met with President Sirleaf in Liberia three weeks ago and I know she has the skills and vision it will take to rebuild Liberia and bring hope to its people.

In her inaugural speech, President Sirleaf promised to give Liberian women “prominence in all affairs of our country.” The 21st Century could well be the century of the woman, not only in Liberia, but around the world. In the past year, first female heads of state were elected in Liberia, Chile, and Germany, and Finland re-elected its first female president. A recent U.S. poll showed that 92% of Americans are ready to elect a female president. But for now, Liberia is a step ahead of the United States.

The U.S. and Liberia have long shared close ties, dating back to 1819, when Congress appropriated $100,000 that helped lead to the founding of the country. The end of Liberia’s civil war and President Sirleaf’s election present a unique opportunity to maximize the close ties between our countries.

I support Congressman Jesse Jackson and Chairman Jim Clyburn’s call to include appropriations for Liberia in the President’s supplemental request. President Bush has committed to spreading democracy around the world. This is a unique opportunity to build a democracy in a nation that is starting anew. Rewarding Liberia for its democratic progress would send the right signal to other African nations.

President Sirleaf still faces many challenges and will need our support to succeed. Despite its small gross national income, Liberia has $2.56 billion in outstanding international debt. HIV/AIDS is spreading at an increasing rate and 708,000 Liberians, just under a third of the population, receive food assistance each month. U.S. assistance to Liberia has decreased in recent years; it will have to increase for President Sirleaf to meet these humanitarian needs.

President Sirleaf will also need help building democracy. Consolidating the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2003 and pursuing transitional justice against war criminals remain immediate priorities. The U.S. should offer its diplomatic backing to encourage other states in the region to help Liberia find resolution.

In her inaugural address, President Sirleaf committed to a new era of democracy, economic renewal, and good governance for Liberia. Upon her second state visit to the United States, we welcome President Sirleaf and offer our support for her mission to lead Liberia to better times.