McCollum in Yemen to Address Security, Development, and Democracy

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

U.S. and Yemen Have National Security Interests in Defeating Al-Qaeda, Improving Life for Yemeni People

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) is currently in Sana'a, Yemen on official government business at the invitation of the Pentagon's National Defense University (NDU). She delivered a major policy address, regarding national security and the importance of the Government of Yemen to develop a whole-of-government national security strategy. She spoke to an audience of 800 Yemeni senior military and government officials.

"Yes, Al-Qaeda must be defeated, but that is not enough," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Attacking poverty, improving the status of women, and attracting investments to create jobs must also be considered priorities that enhance your country's security and future."

NDU's Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies is working in partnership with the Government of Yemen to develop a national security strategy. Yemen is an important foreign policy priority for the United States because of the presence of Al-Qaeda cells and the current turbulent political situation in the Middle East.

In addition, Congresswoman McCollum will meet with Yemeni parliamentary leaders, journalists, women activists, women's health advocates, and World Bank officials.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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