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H.R.3701 / 111th Congress

More Books for Africa Act of 2009

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 1, 2009

More Books for Africa Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the availability of textbooks and library books is a critical component of the U.S. investment in primary, secondary, higher, and adult community education; and (2) the donation of textbooks and library books is a powerful diplomatic tool.

Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the More Books for Africa Program to facilitate the donation and distribution of not fewer than 3 million text and library books per year to African schools, libraries, and community learning centers in partnership with U.S.-based entities.

Provides that: (1) Program books may come only from unrestricted donations from citizens, not-for-profits, educational institutions, libraries, and private companies; (2) the Program shall encourage partnerships with faith-based organizations, community organizations, K-12 educational institutions, and private companies; (3) the Program shall encourage partnerships with African ministries of education; and (4) the Program shall encourage U.S. Ambassadors to African countries to make the establishment of libraries and donations of books to schools on behalf of the United States a priority.

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Provides for Program monitoring.

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Who introduced it

Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4] · D–MN

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.3701 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Individual rights and government power

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