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Boozman takes unusual lead in malaria fight Friday, Apr 25, 2008 By Aaron Sadler Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Rep. John Boozman represents constituents who may be more concerned with tick fever than a mosquito-borne disease eradicated in the United States six decades ago. Nevertheless the Republican from Rogers stepped forward on Thursday as a leader of a new Congressional Malaria Caucus. Boozman will be co-chairman of the 22-member group that will push for increased U.S. aid for African countries plagued by the disease. Besides describing the effort as a humanitarian gesture, Boozman said fighting malaria overseas carries a strategic benefit to the United States. "Having a peaceful Africa, an Africa that's moving forward, versus a very unrestful place like we've seen that breeds terrorism... is to our advantage," he said. The position allows Boozman to indulge an interest in foreign affairs, experts said. He has been to the continent four times since he entered Congress in 2001 and he serves on the Africa subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Arkansan also belongs to a group of legislators from NATO countries that gather often in Europe. Boozman said he knows the emphasis on Africa does not appear to help him much politically in Arkansas. "I don't have a lot to gain to be on the Africa subcommittee or to be active in that regard," he said. But since Boozman usually has only nominal re-election opposition, he can't lose much either, experts said. "As a result of his safeness, he does get to make some choices about the areas in which he engages," said Jay Barth, a Hendrix College political science professor. Barth said Boozman's interest in Africa could be a strategy for him to gain influence in Congress. With this focus, Boozman could become a "go-to" player on African issues. "This probably doesn't have a particular direct and obvious benefit to certain parts of his constituency," Barth said. "That said, I think we live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Undeniably, what happens in Africa has an influence on the United States." At least a million African children die each year from malaria or related illnesses. The disease is caused by a tiny parasite transmitted by mosquito bite. Left untreated by medication, an infected child could die within two weeks of being bitten. Simple remedies like mosquito nets and insecticides can significantly reduce deaths. An initiative launched by President Bush in 2005 dedicates $1.2 billion over five years for anti-malarial efforts in 15 African countries. First Lady Laura Bush stood alongside Boozman and the other caucus co-chair, Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., at Thursday's announcement forming the congressional group. The House earlier this month authorized a $50 billion, five-year extension of a program to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. Efforts to fight malaria would receive $1 billion a year under the program. A $1 billion investment in preventing disease reaps a $30 billion long-term economic benefit, said Ray Chambers, the United Nations special envoy on malaria who also attended the event. "Malaria is a problem we can get rid of," Boozman said. "And when you're talking about a 30-to-1 return on your money, that's a good deal." The congressman visited Africa last month, a few weeks after President Bush toured the continent. Boozman said people there lauded Bush for his humanitarian efforts, and the malaria fight improves public perception of the United States. The president's initiatives may have prompted Boozman to take on the new leadership role, said Jake Files, a Fort Smith Republican and former state representative. "It gives our congressman international exposure," Files said. "I think if you looked across all the Congress, there are going to be several people that you look at and would be apt to say, 'Wow, that looks odd,' on the surface." |
