Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee comments on the need to curtail the flow of illicit money into the United States at the 2010 AEO briefing.

Illicit money is not just leaving Africa, but is also coming in to the United States, Global Financial Integrity Director Raymond Baker explained at a briefing this morning on the 2010 African Economic Outlook (AEO). Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) unexpectedly listened in during Baker’s comments and recognized that something needs to be done.

“Certainly I’m going to take a really serious look at the dollars that come in to the United States wrongly because I do think we have a responsibility, and we have to take ownership of it,” Congresswoman Jackson Lee said.

She also recognized a need for “transparency in the financial system” as Africa continues to develop. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the money in Africa, be it through aid or other sources, is used effectively for the people.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee sits on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs committees. She chairs the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection. Also, she is the Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus and the Whip for the Congressional Black Caucus.

Watch Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s full comments below:

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