Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and his colleagues, Sens. Chris Coons (D-Conn.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), are urging Congress to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the senators emphasized the importance of renewing AGOA to create valuable opportunities for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers, while also advancing national security interests.

The senators highlighted that renewing AGOA would incentivize businesses to increase production in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby diversifying global supply chains and reducing dependence on China. They stated, "Renewing AGOA would offer businesses an important incentive to increase production in Sub-Saharan Africa, diversifying their global supply chains and reducing dependence on the People’s Republic of China."

Furthermore, the senators emphasized the need for long-term certainty for businesses to diversify and secure their supply chains. They stated, "With an early, lengthy renewal, Congress can provide businesses the long-term certainty needed to diversify and secure their supply chains."

In their letter, the senators urged Senate leadership to prioritize the reauthorization of AGOA, stating, "As you consider the legislative calendar for the months ahead, we strongly urge you to consider the reauthorization of AGOA as an important priority."

This call for extension comes after Sen. Kennedy introduced the AGOA Extension Act of 2023 in September. The proposed act aims to extend the program for 20 years, until 2045. Several other senators, including 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 R. Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), have also signed the letter.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act was first enacted by Congress in 2000. The program encourages African countries to adopt market-based economies, support democracy, and uphold due process and the rule of law. In return, AGOA-eligible nations receive duty-free access to thousands of products in the U.S. market. Currently, 36 countries are eligible for AGOA benefits, which have supported nearly 120,000 jobs in the United States.

AGOA is authorized through 2025, but the senators are advocating for an extension to provide businesses with long-term certainty. The full letter can be accessed here, while the full text of the AGOA Extension Act of 2023 is available here.

The extension of AGOA would not only benefit U.S. businesses and workers but also contribute to the economic development and stability of African nations. As Congress considers its legislative calendar, the reauthorization of AGOA holds significant importance for both national security and economic interests.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=A645DCFF-FE5C-48AC-8D37-575CC281112A