Kamlager-Dove, Allred Introduce Resolution to Affirm U.S. - African Union Relationship, Encourage Greater Trade with Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 29, 2023

Media Contact: Maya Valentine
(202) 809-7454 | maya.valentine@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution to affirm the significance of the African Union as a strategic international partner to the United States and express strong support for partnerships that cultivate intra-African trade.

“I am proud to join Congressman Colin Allred in introducing this resolution to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-African Union relationship and encourage sustainable, inclusive economic growth that promotes a more prosperous African continent,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Recognizing Africa’s importance in shaping a brighter future for its people and the world, the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December marked a new era of sustained, deepened engagement with the continent. African leadership and innovation will be pivotal to addressing this era’s defining challenges, and the African Union will be a critical partner in advancing our shared interests." 

“Vital to unleashing the full potential of the U.S.-Africa relationship is bolstering trade and investment both among African nations and with the United States,” continued Kamlager-Dove. “The landmark African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is poised to create the world’s largest free trade area and would lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. The biggest gains will go to women, young people, and unskilled workers whose economic participation and incomes would increase the most. This resolution reinforces the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-African Union partnership and affirms that investing in Africa’s future is investing in our own security and prosperity.” 

“As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am proud to help lead this resolution in support of strengthening our relationships in Africa and building on our strong diplomatic and economic foundation with the African Union,” said Congressman Allred. “With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, bolstering trade across member states as well as with the United States is a top priority. Now more than ever, cooperation between the African Union and the United States could not be more important as we together meet the challenges ahead, and work toward global stability and economic prosperity.” 

The other original co-sponsors of this resolution are: Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Colin Allred (TX-32), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brad Sherman (CA-32), William Keating (MA-09), David Cicilline (RI-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Nikema Williams (GA-05), André Carson (IN-07), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Hank Johnson (GA-04), and John Garamendi (CA-08). 

A copy of H.Res. 261 can be found here.

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