Christopher Shays: “I rise in support of S. 888, the Genocide Accountability Act of 2007. I cosponsored the House version of this…”

“I rise in support of S. 888, the Genocide Accountability Act of 2007. I cosponsored the House version of this legislation because I totally agree, U.S. law should not provide safe haven to those who are committing genocide. As a result of this bill, prosecutors will be able to target individuals living lawfully in the U.S. who have committed genocide or aided those who have committed these crimes against humanity. I have tremendous respect for all those who have worked to raise awareness of this important issue. Student groups and faith-based organizations, especially from the African American, Jewish and Armenian communities, have done a terrific job of educating their fellow citizens and lawmakers about the crisis and the need to respond. The world collectively agreed to 'never again' allow genocide after the Holocaust and again after the mass murders in Cambodia and Rwanda, and again in Bosnia. Tragically, genocide is again taking place, and the United States must take all reasonable steps to end the killing and ensure the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. The United States has made a tremendous commitment to the people of Darfur in the form of humanitarian aid and is working hard on diplomatic efforts to end the genocide. But more must be done. We need to stop the killings. Current U.S. law only makes genocide a crime if it is committed by a U.S. citizen or within the United States.”