Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this important legislation, H.R. 3127, strengthening sanctions on individuals and governments seen as responsible for the atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan, and authorizing additional funds for peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in the region.
After more than 3 years of conflict, between 300,000 and 400,000 innocent and impoverished civilians have died from government-sponsored violence, disease and starvation because of war, and more than 2 million people have fled their homes to internal camps and neighboring Chad.
Despite international condemnation of the Sudanese government, genocide and ethnic cleansing continue unabated.
What is keeping the United States and the international community from intervening meaningfully to stop this humanitarian crisis? What is keeping President Bush from acting with moral clarity and compassion?
While this Congress continues to slowly legislate on the Darfur genocide, the threat of sanctions has done little to end the atrocities. This dire crisis requires a much more robust response.
Our commitment to end the Darfur genocide must be judged by only one test: What are we doing that serves to end the killings and the suffering?
The aim should be to end the genocide, disarm the Arab militias, guarantee humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, secure the refugee camps, and provide safety to families returning to their villages.
Military experts have estimated that these tasks will require 40,000 to 50,000 well-trained and equipped troops. We also have new and innovative technologies that could protect civilians. If we are serious about dealing with this most pressing human rights catastrophe, then we must pressure the Bush Administration and the international community to do all that is needed to stop the genocide in Darfur.
I call for less political maneuvering, and more real action.
Over three years have passed. Out of an estimated pre-conflict population of 7 million in Darfur, somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000 innocent civilians have died.
What are we waiting for? For the Sudanese government and the Arab militias to finish what they have started?
I support this bill, yet I urge my colleagues to support an international peacekeeping mission authorized to use force to protect civilians and disarm the Janjaweed--one with an adequate mandate, and well-trained and equipped soldiers.