New House Bill Would Establish U.S.-Africa Trade and Development Office, Etc.
On February 11, 2011, Representative Rush (D) introduced H.R. 656, the African Investment and Diaspora Act. It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights on March 8, 2011.
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State Dept Office Would Promote U.S.-African Trade and Cooperation
According to a Congressional Research Service summary, H.R. 656 would direct the President to establish an Office for U.S.-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs within the Department of State and appoint a Special Representative to head the office.
The Special Representative and the Office would be required to:
- establish five regional U.S.-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs public outreach, education, and liaison centers;
- promote U.S.-African trade and investment relations and foster socioeconomic development and economic growth;
- design and implement public outreach, education, and liaison programs and activities intended to foster U.S.-African economic, technical, social, and cultural ties;
- facilitate and increase the number of international learning exchange, professional, training, and educational programs between Africa and the United States;
- establish a publicly accessible database through which U.S. and African businesses, academics, and organizations can communicate and establish ties; and
- consult with African governments, the African Union, African intergovernmental subregional organizations, public-private partnership entities, private businesses and foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and U.N. agencies with respect to matters of Africa-related trade, economic development, and African-African Diaspora relations.
Rep. Rush press release, dated 02/11/11, available here.