GOP legislators, McDermott join forces on Africa-trade bill

By Alex Fryer
Seattle Times Washington bureau

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Some of the most conservative members of Congress joined the Seattle Democrat and singer/humanitarian Bono yesterday to stump for a free-trade bill with Africa that McDermott first drafted in 1997.

"It's hard for some people to believe that Jim and I speak to each other, let alone support one another on a particular issue," said Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., who threw his support behind McDermott's signature issue: the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Since it became law in 2000, AGOA has created an estimated 150,000 jobs and brought $340 million in foreign investment to the poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa. The act is credited with establishing a burgeoning apparel industry by lowering tariffs on African-made clothing.

McDermott, who has been visiting Africa since the early 1960s, is known in some diplomatic circles as the "father of AGOA."

During congressional testimony last month, Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahman Nzibo, the Kenyan ambassador, said: "From the shores of Senegal to the Table Mountains in South Africa, AGOA has brought not only hope but tremendous change in our lives."

However, certain trade provisions are set to expire in September unless Congress reauthorizes the law. The uncertainty is causing manufacturers to lose orders, and Africans to lose jobs.

"If (African manufacturers) don't know the bill is going to be there, then you have pulled the rug out from under all that is going on. That's why this is so important," McDermott said.

McDermott traces his interest in Africa from the 10 weeks he spent with an organization called Operation Crossroads building a schoolhouse in Ghana in 1961. He later joined the State Department and was stationed in Zaire.

In 1994, McDermott inserted 17 words into a world-trade bill: "The President should develop and implement a comprehensive trade and development policy for the countries of Africa." That language was the forerunner of AGOA.

In the late 1990s, McDermott generated Republican support by saying the bill could help Africa by promoting trade instead of simply dishing out more humanitarian aid.
 
This year, McDermott has had to lobby a new set of legislators, particularly Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., a tough-minded conservative.

To help Thomas get over the political queasiness of helping one of the most liberal members of Congress, McDermott said he shrugs off ownership of AGOA.

"It's a little bit uncomfortable for him to have my arm around him, but he knows he'll get all the credit," McDermott said. "It's a little like being the linebacker on a football team. The quarterback is going to get all the attention."

AGOA passed the Ways and Means Committee but hasn't come up for a House vote. The Senate has paid scant attention.

Addressing a room full of African diplomats, trade lobbyists and congressional staff members, U2's lead singer Bono said the world was paying close attention to AGOA, and he encouraged legislators to continue the fight.

"In this town, this could feel like a fringe issue, not central to the action of Washington, D.C.," Bono said. "But this is how America meets the world, outside of the military. Don't feel you are on the fringe. Feel like you are central."

Asked whether he would attend a White House ceremony if AGOA passed, McDermott laughed and said: "If I'm invited."

Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com