Discussion · House of Representatives
Lois Frankel Democrat
“I want the House to vote against this amendment. It would cut off our aid to Nigeria for health, development, and security. Cutting this help would hurt our fight against disease and terrorism. It would also let China and Russia gain influence there instead of us.”
“Madam Chair, this amendment would eliminate U.S. health development and security assistance to the central government of Nigeria. This would be a serious mistake. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, one of the largest economies, and a critical partner in promoting stability across West Africa. Our health programs prevent deadly diseases from spreading across borders and strengthen the capacity to respond to future pandemics. Our development assistance helps reduce poverty, improve education, expand economic opportunity, and address the conditions that fuel instability, conflict, and migration. Our security and assistance helps Nigeria combat Boko Haram, ISIS, and other violent extremist groups that threaten both regional and global security. If the United States walks away, the challenges will not disappear. Our influence will. China and Russia will be more than happy to fill the vacuum, expanding their economic, political, and military influence at America’s expense. Engagement does not mean writing a blank check. It means using American leadership to promote accountability, to strengthen democratic institutions, to protect human rights, and to advance our national security interests. Walking away would make neither Nigeria nor the United States more secure. Ironically, this amendment would end the very programs that this provision is trying to support, so it really doesn’t make too much sense. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject it, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Madam Chair, this amendment would eliminate U.S. health development and security assistance to the central government of Nigeria. This would be a serious mistake. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, one of the largest economies, and a critical partner in promoting stability across West Africa. Our health programs prevent deadly diseases from spreading across borders and strengthen the capacity to respond to future pandemics. Our development assistance helps reduce poverty, improve education, expand economic opportunity, and address the conditions that fuel instability, conflict, and migration. Our security and assistance helps Nigeria combat Boko Haram, ISIS, and other violent extremist groups that threaten both regional and global security. If the United States walks away, the challenges will not disappear. Our influence will. China and Russia will be more than happy to fill the vacuum, expanding their economic, political, and military influence at America’s expense. Engagement does not mean writing a blank check. It means using American leadership to promote accountability, to strengthen democratic institutions, to protect human rights, and to advance our national security interests. Walking away would make neither Nigeria nor the United States more secure. Ironically, this amendment would end the very programs that this provision is trying to support, so it really doesn’t make too much sense. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject it, and I reserve the balance of my time.