Mike Honda: “I rise today to reiterate my grave concern about the situation in Darfur and to express my support for H.R. 3127, the…”

“I rise today to reiterate my grave concern about the situation in Darfur and to express my support for H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006. International efforts to end the genocide now occurring in Darfur have been lackluster. We should be doing more to intervene on behalf of the thousands of innocent men, women and children in that region. I am hopeful that this legislation will give added momentum to ending that genocide. Authorizing the President to provide assistance to the African Union Mission on the ground through NATO is just one of the ways that we can fight to bring an end to the violence. In addition to supporting H.R. 3127, there are several other measures that send a message to the Sudanese that the United States cannot accept the current state situation such as supporting H. Res. 675, a resolution expressing disapproval of the Arab League's decision to hold its 2006 summit in Khartoum, Sudan. The resolution calls on the Arab League, the government of Sudan, the Sudanese rebels, and the world community to do all they can to end acts of genocide in the Darfur Region of Sudan. One of the most effective tools in sending a message to the Sudanese government is divestment. I, along with many colleagues, have requested that the University of California Office of the President develop a plan of divestment from Sudan. Mr.…”