Washington, DC — Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory W. Meeks and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Barbara Lee led a group of foreign policy-focused House Democrats in calling on Speaker Johnson to reconsider his decision not to invite Kenyan President William Ruto to address Congress during his visit to the United States next week.

“We are extremely disappointed by your decision to not invite the Kenyan President to address a joint session of Congress during his state visit May 22-23, 2024. We urge you to reconsider this decision and grant President Ruto an invitation to address Congress. Given Kenya’s important regional and global role, hearing from President Ruto during this visit would greatly benefit the United States Congress. Kenya is an important partner of the United States, and a leader in Africa. The state visit this month will not only celebrate the six decades of U.S.-Kenyan partnership, but also set a course for cooperation on critical global issues including advancing global peace and security, expanding inclusive economic development, protecting universal human rights and dignity, and confronting the reality of the climate crisis.

“Foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are working tirelessly to subvert America’s alliances, particularly in Africa. You have spoken previously about the need to strengthen America’s influence in the face of these threats. A recent Gallup poll showing erosion in American prestige among Africans underscores the need for Congress to engage more respectfully and consistently with African leaders and people. Yet your choice not to provide the Kenyan President, a key African partner, the opportunity to address the Congress helps create an opening for autocratic adversaries to make inroads in African public opinion.

“Failing to offer the same invitation to President Ruto risks sending the message that African partnerships are less valued by Congress. We strongly urge you to reconsider and invite President Ruto to address Congress when he is here later this month.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mark Takano (CA-39), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Gabo Amo (RI-01), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Grace Meng (NY-06).

Find text of the full letter here.

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