Urging Senate to Vote on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass gathered with a bipartisan group of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge the U.S. Senate to move without delay and pass existing legislation to extend the third country fabric provision as part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). She was joined by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the Africa, Global Health and Human Rights Subcommittee; U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Chairman of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee; and several members of the African Diplomatic Corps.

AGOA's third country fabric provision is responsible for creating at least 300,000 jobs on the continent through the purchase of fabrics from major U.S. brands such as Levi's, Target and Old Navy. Signed into law in 2000, AGOA spans three U.S. Presidents and has always received bicameral and bipartisan support. In addition to benefiting industries in Africa, AGOA will contribute to better market opportunities in America and create stronger commercial partners in Africa for U.S. companies while also helping to integrate Africa further into the global economy. Currently, each day that passes without congressional action on AGOA results in the loss of thousands of jobs throughout Africa's apparel industry.

Lending her full support behind AGOA, Rep. Bass made the following statement, "Today, as we stand together, let us re-affirm our commitment to support and strengthen opportunities to address economic development, democracy and governance across the African continent. While challenges may be great, we have a significant opportunity for progress and advancement right in front of us with AGOA. With my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, we come together today to urge both chambers of Congress to quickly pass this bill so that no jobs are lost and African families are not put in further jeopardy."

"Hundreds of thousands of Africans have jobs because of AGOA. I've seen firsthand its contribution to poverty reduction. But if we don't extend this apparel provision, these jobs will shift to Asia. Many already have because of the delay," said Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee.

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