Press Releases

Contact: Abby Mitch

Rep. John James conducted his first committee hearing as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee today. 

The congressman opened the hearing with remarks that focused on the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence on the continent economically, politically, and militarily. He noted China’s goal of becoming the world's preeminent economic and military power by 2049 and the threat the CCP poses to American interests. 

Rep. James also highlighted the foreign policy failings of past presidential administrations and pledged to use his role as a legislator to hold the Biden administration accountable.

Finally, he emphasized the imperative of purging slave labor from our supply chain, particularly in critical mineral mining and electric vehicle manufacturing. The hearing follows the successful negotiation of Rep. James’ amendment to re-shore minerals vital to our national defense, which was included and passed in H.R. 1 – the top energy bill of the 118th Congress.

“The ambitions the CCP has for Africa are the ambitions they have for the United States. It is crucial that we nip them in the bud,” said James. “But we need friends. That’s why, in a world where America is no longer the only choice, we must return to being the most desirable. We must, as Teddy Roosevelt said, ‘speak softly and carry a big stick.’ It is in our vital national interest to ensure that when nations have a choice between China or America, they choose ‘America First.’”

The hearing featured three witnesses. Two witnesses—Rick Waters, China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary of state for China and Taiwan, and Amy Holman, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of African Affairs—represented the U.S. Department of State. Janean Davis, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Africa, represented the U.S. Agency for International Development.

A recording of the hearing is available here.

###