Supporting the continued work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of its creation.

Whereas the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) was established in 2004 by Congress as an independent Federal Government development agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth; Whereas MCC’s grants are designed to create measurable economic growth opportunities, improve the lives of the world’s poor, incentivize better governance, and open new markets for United States businesses; Whereas the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended ( 22 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. (1) delivering smart United States foreign assistance by focusing on good policies, country ownership, and results; (2) providing time-limited grants promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions; and (3) forming partnerships with developing countries who are committed to democracy, good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their citizens; Whereas MCC’s impact reaches beyond specific projects to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in its partner countries; Whereas MCC projects tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities across developing countries, encourage policy reforms that advance the rights of vulnerable communities, and combat the challenges of lack of access to reliable electricity, clean drinking water and sanitation, sustainable food systems, and durable and reliable roads; Whereas MCC’s evidence-based approach to development, which focuses on economic growth and addressing root causes of poverty, has proven to be effective; Whereas MCC’s partnerships with governments, the private sector, and civil society have been critical to its success; Whereas, across its global portfolio, MCC has trained 426,495 farmers in improved agricultural techniques, supported 394,840 students in education activities, added 113 megawatts of generation capacity to power grids, formalized 320,722 land rights to give individuals more secure property rights, constructed 3,563 kilometers of roads, and added 220,000,000 liters of water production capacity per day to water systems; Whereas MCC’s good governance eligibility criteria have provided a powerful incentive for countries to adopt reforms to strengthen their commitment to democratic governance, economic freedom, and investing in their people, a phenomenon referred to as the MCC Effect Whereas, by holding partner countries accountable for results and continued good governance, MCC advances American security, values, and prosperity; Whereas MCC grants complement other United States and international development programs by pairing investment in infrastructure with policy and institutional reforms in countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption, and respecting democratic rights; Whereas MCC consistently works with partner countries to unlock the economic potential of women and overcome financial, legal, and cultural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in their countries’ economies; Whereas, since its inception, MCC has mandated the integration of gender into its country programs, and gender analysis informs all aspects of MCC’s work, from selecting country partners to identifying gender-responsive economic growth constraints to supporting partner governments to enact legal and policy changes; Whereas MCC has consistently been ranked as the most transparent United States foreign aid agency, and the Federal agency that most effectively creates and uses evidence for program impact; and Whereas, over the last 20 years, MCC has invested more than $15,000,000,000 in 86 programs located in 50 countries, benefiting over a quarter of a billion people worldwide, with a focus on country-led implementation and rigorous oversight: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates and commends the Millennium Challenge Corporation on 20 years of reducing global poverty by delivering sustainable economic growth to countries committed to good governance; (2) recognizes that the Millennium Challenge Corporation contributes directly to the national interests of the United States; and (3) commits to continue to support the vital work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Summary: This resolution congratulates the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on 20 years of reducing global poverty by delivering economic growth and recognizes that the MCC contributes directly to the national interests of the United States. (The MCC is an independent federal agency that provides economic assistance to developing nations that show positive performance in the areas of democratic governance, economic freedom, and investment in their population.)