US Congress Policy

US Congress Policy

Introduction

The changes within Congress during the late 1960s and early 1970s created an environment that encouraged the emergence of political entrepreneurs. However, these changes do not suffice to explain the emergence of political entrepreneurs who focused on human rights. To understand the rise of human rights, people must examine contemporary changes both within the United States and around the world. The changes within the United States and around the world changed the topics that members of Congress cared about. In the United States the Civil Rights movement brought home to many activists the importance of human rights. The Watergate scandal demonstrated the willingness of people in the executive branch to abuse power. The Vietnam War showed that the U.S. was supporting an immoral regime and was becoming immoral in the process. Congress extended human rights amendments to trade agreements and bilateral economic assistance. Ten years after the passing of the Act on U.S. growth and possibilities Act (AGOA), its designers have unveiled a new economic and trade policy to be presented to the administration of President Barack Obama and which should further develop trade relations between Africa and the United States. This new proposal entitled “Enterprise for Development: A New Policy Approach Toward Africa” supports the continuation of free and quota free access for African products to market American, introduced by AGOA, but also policies to strengthen local businesses in Africa and measures that promote job creation, export promotion and growth both in Africa and the United States. Therefore, all the issues related to US Congress Policy will be discussed in detail.

Discussion

In the Senate, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) took the lead. Kennedy began to focus on the apartheid system in South Africa during a 1984 luncheon with South African Bishop Desmond Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year. Tutu told him “the world will not pay attention until someone like you comes to South Africa and brings the cameras and the spotlights with you”. Kennedy told South African Foreign Minister Pik Botha to make progress on forced removals of blacks, South African citizenship for all, and black voting rights. Starting in 1985, Kennedy introduced sanctions legislation with Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) that included elements similar to the House bill. Back in the House, Solarz, Wolpe, and Gray assembled the coalition of members who would eventually pass sanctions legislation. They consulted with the CBC, TransAfrica, and the Washington Office on Africa. They had to go to every member of the House to negotiate specific proposals and build a veto-proof coalition. They were assisted by increased numbers of black representatives in the House, who were in positions on many committees to influence sanctions legislation. Furthermore, the actions of political entrepreneurs in Congress were critically supported by the efforts of TransAfrica to build grassroots support. TransAfrica developed influence despite its small staff. The leadership studied potential partners closely to build a viable coalition. TransAfrica connected with major black political caucuses and institutions nationally and locally ...