MONROVIA, Montserrado – A U.S. Congressional delegation will arrive today for a two-day official visit to Liberia.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, the congressional delegation is traveling with the House Democracy Partnership, headed by its chairman, Rep. David Price of North Carolina’s fourth district.
HDP is a bipartisan, 20-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.
Established in 2005, HDP uses peer-to-peer exchange programs, training seminars for members and staff, and targeted material assistance to build capacity in key areas such as legislative oversight, budget analysis, committee operations, constituent relations, and library and research services.
“The mission of the U.S. HDP is to promote responsive, effective government and to strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies,†the embassy said in the release.
It disclosed that the HDP had initiated a legislative partnership with the Liberian Legislature since July 2006 to deepen bilateral relations and foster collaboration between U.S. and Liberian legislators on issues common to both countries.
Members of the delegation also include Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma’s second district, Rep. Barbara Lee of California’s 13th district, Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado’s first district, and North Carolina’s 12th district representative, Alma Adams.
The embassy also disclosed that House Speaker Bhofal Chambers, along with other members of the Liberian legislature, will host the visiting delegation on Capitol Hill, where they will learn about Liberian legislative priorities and consult on legislative procedures and structures that enhance representative governance.
“They will also meet with His Excellency President George M. Weah and members of his Cabinet as well as civil society and non-governmental organizations,†the release added.
The delegation will also participate in a Community Media Forum on Tuesday, followed by a live interview at ECOWAS radio on Wednesday.
