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The US House of Representatives has approved over $158 million dollars in assistance to Liberia.
In a confirmation email released to The Liberian Journal from the office of Rep. Erik Paulsen, who represents Minnesota's Third District in the US Congress, the amount was included in H.R. 3081, the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.
This money, which will be delivered in the form of USAID, will support efforts to increase access to electricity and will expand programs that promote and strengthen the rule of law, consistent with the country’s plans.
The total amount for Liberia is $158, 670, 000, 00 (158 million six hundred thousand) which is $10,000,000. 00 (ten million) above the original request of $148,670,000. 00 (Click here to Read full Bill).
The funds will also be used to strengthen internal infrastructure in Liberia, including upgrading existing roads and bridges.
“This is an important step to helping Liberia continue to grow and rebuild as a nation”, Congressman Paulsen noted.
Rep. Erik Paulsen added that supporting Liberia is one issue he is committed to working on in Congress and urged Liberians to always “let him know what he can do to help”.
Rep. Erik Paulsen Makes Case for the extension of DED for Liberians at Congress
Prior to his election to Congress in 2008, Paulsen served in the Minnesota House from 1995 to 2008. He was the House Majority Leader from 2003 to 2007.
Rep. Paulsen, one of the Bill’s proud sponsors, has been a stalwart advocate of major Liberian causes, especially stabilizing the temporary immigration status of Liberians.
He began his career in public service working as a legislative assistant in Washington for his predecessor, Congressman Jim Ramstad. Paulsen later served as the director of Ramstad's Minnesota office.
During his tenure in the Minnesota House, Paulsen earned a reputation as a leading watchdog for taxpayers and a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility. He teamed with Governor Pawlenty to eliminate a $4.5 billion state budget deficit without raising taxes. He and his wife Kelly reside in Eden Prairie along with their four daughters Cassie, Briana, Tayler and Liesl.
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