Karen Bass: “Last month, the U.N. declared a famine in parts of South Sudan. As I rise today, more than 100,000 men, women, and…”

“Last month, the U.N. declared a famine in parts of South Sudan. As I rise today, more than 100,000 men, women, and children there are facing immediate starvation. Arguably, this was an avoidable crisis. Internal conflicts have worsened the dire living conditions for the people of South Sudan, and the government of the Republic of South Sudan must live up to its promise and ensure access to the most vulnerable communities by humanitarian organizations. According to recent estimates, without immediate action, an additional 5.5 million people living in South Sudan will experience famine. Although we haven't yet seen the President's budget, it is reported that there is a 37 percent decrease in foreign aid. This could include severe cuts to humanitarian funding. In this regard, I introduced H. Res. 187 in support of the efforts by USAID and other providers of humanitarian assistance in the international community. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan resolution, and, by doing so, begin an end to this crisis. ____________________”