By Derrick Bullock

After an emotionally charged debate on June 16, the House voted 234 to 163 to pass the HR434 African Growth and Opportunity Act that will help to boost trade and investment in the region of sub- Saharan Africa. It is among one of the top priorities of the United States Conference of Mayors to improve U.S. Policy toward Africa. Though some supporters of the bill describes its impact as being modest, if passed this bill could become the most significant trade measure ever to become a law since 1994, according to a Washington Post story analyzing the legislation.

Unlike last year when the legislation passed the House but stalled in the Senate, this year key senators have expressed strong support toward the bill, and the President has promised to sign it. Rep. Charles Rangel (NY) a strong supporter of the African trade bill has been working very closely with House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (TX) to pass the bill. "We are on the brink of history," said Rangel. "Why don’t we give the African people a chance? They may not be in the major leagues, but by God, let them in the ballgame."

The Senate Finance Committee approved a similar draft trade bill for African in June, and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (MS), has said he wants to move the bill, although a date for the floor action has not been set. It is possible the Senate will combine the Africa measure with a separate draft bill bill to expand access to U.S. markets for nations in the Caribbean.

HR 434 aims to increase the flow of U.S. goods to markets in Africa and to allow nations in one of the world’s least developed regions more access to U.S. consumers. The measure would allow goods from the 48 countries of sub-Saharan Africa to enter the United States with no quotas or duties if President Clinton certified that the nations had met several conditions, including a commitment to human rights economic restructuring, such as tariff reduction. Before duties could be lifted on specific products, including textiles and apparel, the U.S. International Trade Commission would have to analyze the effects on U.S. industries.

On July 14, President Clinton issued a statement in support of the bill as a way to promote peace and democracy in the sub-Saharan region. "The United States must do everything we can right now to support the efforts Africans are making to build democracy and respect for human rights, advance peace and lay the foundation for prosperity and growth," said Clinton.