Booker to Chair Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) will chair the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy in the 118th Congress.

“As chair of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, I look forward to helping the United States chart a new path forward to strengthen and expand our relationships with African countries,” said Senator Booker. “For too long, many have painted Africa with broad strokes, ignoring the diversity and vitality of countries across the continent. I hope to engage our African partners on a shared vision for the future, which includes boosting trade and economic investment, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and cooperating on global challenges like climate change and food insecurity.

“In recent years, we have seen firsthand the importance of a coordinated and robust global health strategy. This Congress, the subcommittee will focus on issues including the reauthorization of PEPFAR, pandemic preparedness, and expanding immunization programs in areas of need. Threats to global health are an international security issue and we must make significant advancements to protect the health and well-being of not only Americans, but people around the world.

“I look forward to engaging with members of the committee on these vital priorities and continuing my partnership with Chairman Menendez to ensure a more prosperous, secure, and healthy global community.”

The subcommittee has jurisdiction over all matters concerning U.S. relations with countries in Africa, excluding North Africa, as well as regional intergovernmental organizations like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. The subcommittee’s regional responsibilities include all matters within the geographic region, including: (1) terrorism and non-proliferation; (2) crime and illicit narcotics; (3) U.S. foreign assistance programs; and (4) the promotion of U.S. trade and exports. In addition, the subcommittee has global responsibility for health-related policy, including disease outbreak and response.

Booker has served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since January 2017. Booker previously served as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy in 2017 and 2018.

Booker will also sit on the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development in the 118th Congress.