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Washington - "First, let me thank the President of the United States, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama for their support of this event and for the City of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid.
"We are honored to have one of his dear friends with us this evening. She's also someone I've know and admired for many years, Special Advisor to the President Ms. Valerie Jarrett.
"I also want to thank the leadership of the House for their support on this important occasion. I am thankful to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, to the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, to Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, my co-chair of the Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus, Donald Payne, and the other Members of Congress who've made a commitment to the support of the work of this caucus and to help strengthen and expand the economic ties between American businesses and the continent of Africa.
"Likewise, I also want to thank the members of the African Diplomatic Corps for responding on such short notice to this call.
"To all the distinguished guests who have joined us this evening, welcome. And, also, a word of thanks to Lori Healey, President of Chicago 2016, for organizing tonight's reception.
"The "Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus," or APEGc, that I co-chair with Congressman Donald Payne, is determined to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the African and American people. We are excited about its prospects and dedicated to its success.
"We are determined to intensify our efforts in advancing ties with the region. As President Obama said during his historic visit to Ghana, African nations are "partners and friends." As part of our efforts to strengthen our collaboration with African nations, tonight's event marks the start of a dialogue series with African Embassies on subjects of mutual importance. In other words, this gathering is the first of many more to come.
"Simply put, sports is a critical instrument for the cultural and economic empowerment of our communities.
"Angola will host the African Football Cup of Nations, in January, 2010. South Africa will host the World Cup in June, 2010. By the way, congratulations to the Ghanaian soccer team for qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. I will not tell you who I am supporting between the "Indomitable Lions" of Cameroon and Morocco, but I do know that these are two good teams in the same group.
"I am enthused about the prospect of Chicago hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 2016.
"This is not the first time the American people and the African people have something in common. I represent a district that includes some of the most impoverished households in the United States. So I know, first hand, how important it is to identify new and expanded sources of economic opportunity for the people I serve, and Africa represents such an opportunity.
"This is an historic time in our nation's history where we have this exciting opportunity to engage our African friends, in a mutually respectful manner, and to advance a common agenda. This is why we are here tonight.
"My home State of Illinois is a major trading partner to Africa and our trade is very diverse. Right now, many trade organizations, in concert with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, are conducting trade missions to South Africa, Cameroon and Egypt.
"We have very active local organizations like the Egyptian Trade Office, the Continental African Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-East Africa Chamber of Commerce all of whom are involved in business promotion in Chicago.
"Chicago also has one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. More than 100,000 live in Illinois. They include students, lawyers, doctors, nurses, academics and small business owners. They continue to play an active role in building our community.
"We currently have, in the United States, 1.4 million African immigrants transferring approximately $40 billion to Africa annually. This shows the importance of the African Diaspora to the U.S. and for the nations of Africa.
"Although Africa is suffering in the current global financial crisis, I believe, along with the U.S., she will overcome this challenge. The continent is blessed with natural and human resources. Africa could represent a growth center and a stimulus to the world economy if it is provided with the tools that are needed to meet development goals. For these reasons and more, the continent of Africa is of crucial importance to the United States.
"I have introduced a resolution, H. Con. Res 128, to express and recognize this. With my colleagues' support, this resolution will be brought to the House floor before the end of this session.
"It is time to have a mutually beneficial policy toward the African continent. As Angola and South Africa are currently preparing to host their championship events, I hope that with our African friends support, next month, Chicago will be preparing for the 2016 Olympics!
Congressman Rush addresses an evening reception, in the nation's Capitol Building, of about 200 people including African Ambassadors, top congressional leaders, and national and Chicago-based civic and business leaders. Looking on is Special Advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, and U. S. Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), who serves with Rush as co-chair of the Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus. Rush and Payne's leadership of APEGc, to date, includes assorted fora on Capitol Hill aimed at shining a spotlight on the growing opportunities for stronger trade ties between the U.S. and Africa. Last August, their leadership included the commissioning of a congressional delegation to Africa to visit several heads of state.
Rush welcomes Senior Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett and top congressional leaders to greet 16 African Ambassadors as part of his efforts to help secure the 2016 Olympics for Chicago. Looking on is Chicago 2016 President Lori Healey (center, left) a co-sponsor of this Capitol Hill reception
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