On August 1, 2013, USA-ITA (now the United States Fashion Industry Association) attended a breakfast on Capitol Hill hosted by House Africa Subcommittee Ranking Member Karen Bass (D-CA). The breakfast featured discussions on President Obama’s recent trip to Africa and what to expect from the upcoming AGOA forum, as well as the AGOA Ambassadors’ report. Of particular note, U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florie Liser, who has spoken at USA-ITA events in the past, welcomed the views of all AGOA stakeholders and discussed the importance of apparel and footwear in particular. She said the Administration recognizes the need for seamless renewal, adding that she has heard from buyers that the industry needs expedited renewal and certainty in order to continue sourcing from the AGOA region. Additional speakers included Grant T. Harris, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House; Stephanie Peters, Director of Federal Government Affairs for Microsoft; and the Ambassadors of Nigeria and Mauritius. All speakers, as well as attending Members of Congress including Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), stressed the importance of quick renewal of AGOA and continued support of our trading partners in Africa.