Congress Embraces ‘Africa Rising’ Over an Early Breakfast

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Africa Policy Breakfast Series, Benjamin Todd, Congress Africa, Department of Commerce, Doing Business in Africa, Elizabeth Littlefield, Ex-Im Bank, Karen Bass, Leocadia Zak, Library of Congress Africa, Michael Masserman, OPIC, OPIC Africa, US Africa trade, US investment in Africa, USTDA

This morning, I rolled out of bed to arrive only a few minutes late to the 8 AM Africa Policy Breakfast Series panel convened by Congresswoman Karen Bass (D – CA) on “U.S. Competitiveness in Africa – Leveling the Playing Field.”  I heard Bass say that she planned to start hosting these sorts of events at an earlier event I covered, so it was good to be in attendance and see the session in action.  I continued the morning by strolling over to the Senate offices to attend a Congressional hearing on Zimbabwe and will cover that session in a 2 part post Wednesday and Thursday.

The event convened several prominent financial figures

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Johnnie Carson Rides off into the Sunset, Encourages US Corporations not to Cede Ground to China

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AGOA, Charlie Rangel, Congress Africa, Ed Royce, Gregory Meeks, Johnnie Carson, Johnny Isakson, Keith Ellison, The Africa Society

This evening, the Africa Society hosted “A Salute to Ambassador Johnnie Carson.”  The Event Chair was Congresswoman Karen Bass, and an array of African and US dignitaries were on hand to wish Ambassador Carson the best as he enters retirement.  Corporate sponsors, including Chevron and General Electric, funded a delicious culinary spread.  I gorged myself on ravioli, salmon, and roast beef.  The actor Tim Reid served as the master of ceremonies.  In the current tortuous political environment, Africa certainly seems to be something that can bring together both sides of the aisle.

Republicans offered the following tribute to Ambassador Carson: