Rounds Leads Legislation to Rename National Defense University’s Africa Center after James Inhofe

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine) introduced legislation to rename the National Defense University's (NDU's) Africa Center for Strategic Studies after the late James M. Inhofe, who served as Senator from Oklahoma for over 28 years. Inhofe also served as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and during this time led nearly 200 visits to Africa, building relationships with African leaders as well as ordinary citizens.

"My friend Jim Inhofe was a true ambassador of his state, country and most importantly, Jesus," said Rounds. "He always said that his strong and trusted relationships with African leaders came from his strong faith in Jesus. Jim had a deep respect and appreciation for Africa and its people. For over eight years during my membership on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I was privileged to serve with Jim, who served as committee chairman. During this time, we took many trips to Africa to meet with national leaders and a broad array of citizens, developing deep and enduring relationships across the continent. Naming NDU's Africa Center for Strategic Studies after Jim is a fitting way to honor his memory and recognize his contributions to our national defense and our relationship with the countries of Africa."

"I had the privilege of working with Senator Jim Inhofe on the Senate Armed Services Committee to support military families, our veterans and the men and women serving our country in uniform," said King. "During my time with him in the Senate, Jim was a steadfast supporter of Africa's entrance into the global community, and developed deep, productive relationships across the continent. Jim was a true friend even when we disagreed, and I can't think of a more fitting tribute than naming National Defense University's Africa Center after him."

The National Defense University is a higher-education institution located in Washington, D.C. that primarily focuses on national security strategy education and leadership development for military personnel. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies was created in 1999 to study security issues specifically on the African continent.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

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