Langevin (RI02) - Speech/Op-Ed - Statement on H.R. 3127, the Sudan Darfur Peace and Accountability Act Of 2006

	April 5, 2006

	Statement on H.R. 3127, the Sudan Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006

	Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006. I also want to express my deep concern, as well as the concern of an overwhelming number of my constituents, over the situation in Sudan. The ongoing violence and humanitarian disaster in Sudan has led to as many as 400,000 villagers killed by militias and left more than 2 million Sudanese in refugee camps. This dire situation has also strained the resources of countries bordering Sudan. In the past, I have supported measures that call on the President to improve the security in Darfur and increase funding for peacekeeping forces and humanitarian assistance. Today, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3127, which directs President Bush to impose sanctions on the government of Sudan as well as freeze the assets of anyone responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan. This measure also calls on NATO to send a civilian protection force to assist the African Union Mission in Sudan, which has been expanded. Mr. Speaker, the plight of the people in Darfur resonates with all of us, and we should all be ashamed that the atrocities that have taken place there are happening in our time. Where is the world’s outrage? Why have we not learned from the mistakes in the past- the Holocaust, Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda. Now is the time to act. It is our duty to end this human suffering, and I will remain steadfast in my commitment to stopping this conflict and promoting peace in Sudan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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