Jon S. Corzine: “this amendment simply adds $75 million in support of an expanded African union mission in Darfur, Sudan, moneys…”

“this amendment simply adds $75 million in support of an expanded African union mission in Darfur, Sudan, moneys critically needed to stop the genocide that we all agree, voted on on this floor, is occurring. Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake. We have heard estimates north of 300,000 to as many as a million. Actually, the life of the whole country is at stake. The facts on the ground are well known. There have been 1.2 million people violently displaced. So-called Janjaweed or the militia supported by the government of Sudan have deliberately and systematically destroyed villages, foodstocks, poisoned water supplies, murdered and raped civilians, and an estimated 50,000 civilians have died. There is no dispute in this country about what is happening. We heard a declaration a week ago from Secretary Powell that the rightful term with regard to what is going on in Darfur is 'genocide.' The question now is, what do we do about it? Are we responsible to give voice and meaning and money to do something to stop it? It is terrific and it is very positive how the United States has reacted with regard to humanitarian assistance. It is critical if we hope to save lives, and it has made a huge difference. I know the majority leader, Senator Brownback, myself, and others have visited. The humanitarian aid is making a difference. Is that enough? The real challenge is to make sure we stop the genocide, not just feed the hungry.”