Policy Resolution IAF-26-06

WHEREAS, the United States’ global leadership in innovation, clean energy, agriculture, arts, and higher education is strengthened by mutually beneficial international partnerships;

WHEREAS, African Union member states represent rapidly growing markets and centers of entrepreneurship, creative industries, and climate solutions;

WHEREAS, the United States of America is home to a vibrant African diaspora with deep ties across the continent;

WHEREAS, organizations like United Cities and Local Governments of Africa that represent local governments across Africa exist to build bridges and work with organization like the National Black Caucus of State Legislators;

WHEREAS, sister-state compacts, legislative missions, technical exchanges, and academic and cultural partnerships have proven effective in building trust and expanding shared opportunity between the United States and African nations through initiatives such as Sister Cities International, USTDA infrastructure collaborations, and long-standing university exchange programs; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 2633, introduced by U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), which seeks to review the United States bilateral relationship with South Africa, and to punish members of the South African government, is harmful to these goals.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) members are called to pursue and expand formal relationships with African countries, including sister state agreements, legislative exchanges, trade and investment initiatives, educational and cultural collaborations, and sector-specific memoranda of understanding;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NBCSL believes H.R. 2633 to be a damaging and counter-productive stance by mandating a sweeping review of the U.S.–South Africa relationship, including the identification of South African officials for sanctions, thereby threatening established diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NBCSL deems H.R. 2633 to risk eroding trust, undermining U.S. credibility as a partner committed to mutual respect, and weakening broader opportunities for constructive engagement with African nations;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL supports and urges the Administration to restore the Office of Subnational Diplomacy at the U.S. State Department that works with organization like NBCSL; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: IAF-26-06
• Sponsored by: Assem. Corey Jackson (CA)
• Policy Committee: International Affairs Policy Committee