Bipartisan Group of Senators Asks McConnell, Schumer to Act Soon on AGOA
Thirteen senators -- seven Democrats and six Republicans -- urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to schedule a vote within a few months so that the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade benefits program is renewed early. AGOA’s authorization expires in September 2025.
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Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Tim Scott, R-S.C., led the letter. They noted that the 35 countries covered by AGOA had $31 billion in exports last year, with $9.4 billion duty-free under AGOA.
"Industry investment is often planned years in advance, and studies indicate that uncertainty about AGOA’s renewal is already leading some businesses to reduce their sourcing in the region. With an early, lengthy renewal, Congress can provide businesses the long-term certainty needed to diversify and secure their supply chains," they wrote in the letter made public Oct. 27.
The senators said AGOA promotes development in Africa, "which, in turn, promotes stability and strengthens our national security."
They acknowledged that aspects of AGOA could be improved -- a perspective that has been emphasized at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (see 2310260043 and 2212020074). But, like African politicians (see 2307120063), they argue that early renewal is more important.
"African leaders and American businesses are calling for AGOA’s extension and urging Congress to work expeditiously to extend the program into the next decade. We agree. While there are aspects of AGOA that Congress should seek to improve, we believe the priority should be renewing the program as soon as possible and for a lengthy period," the lawmakers wrote.
Also signing the letter were Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; John Boozman, R-Ark.; Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; Mark Warner, D-Va.; John Kennedy, R-La.; Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and Alex Padilla, D-Calif.