Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the bipartisan U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, a bill led by Representatives John James (MI-10) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), passed markup through the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The final vote tally in committee was 36-13.

Rep. James released the following statement following this news:

"As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, I am acutely aware of South Africa’s important role on the African continent, and I am proud that the United States has held cordial relations with South Africa for nearly my entire life. South Africa has been the United States’ largest trading partner in Africa since 2014 and is home to over 600 American businesses. However, it is clear to me that the ANC of today is no longer the party of Nelson Mandela and I am greatly concerned with South Africa’s alignment with China and Russia and embracement of Hamas in the wake of the devastating October 7th attacks. It is important to show the South African people that the United States is paying attention, and I am proud that the committee passed this bipartisan legislation."

Rep. Moskowitz also released the following statement on this matter:

“South African officials have made a miscalculation by aligning themselves with Russia and China. It is in our national security interests for the United States to review our relationships with nations that may not share our values and align themselves with such actors. My hope is that they choose otherwise. I’m proud to have worked with Chairman McCaul and Congressman James on this bill and that there is strong bipartisan support among our colleagues."

The bill now heads to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered by the whole House.