Political Quotes

“I want to thank several people that have worked so hard concerning the Sudan Peace Act. I do support the rule. I want to congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their leadership and strong support. I was one of the authors of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which set in place the framework for U.S. action against violations of religious freedom around the world. The Sudan Peace Act is a worthy successor to that act, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor. The tragedies of Sudan are truly unspeakable, though we must attempt to make them clear to the world. Some 2 million people dead in the war, millions more displaced; women and children abducted and raped by government-backed militia; torture of dissidents; bombing of hospitals and schools. It is an endless litany of suffering. This act clearly condemns these atrocities perpetrated by an extremist and heartless regime. This act strengthens our ability to provide assistance to the suffering civilians of Sudan, particularly in areas barred from relief by the government. It reinforces our commitment to negotiating peace; and of tremendous importance, it requires that businesses that want to raise capital from American investors disclose any dealings in oil development in Sudan. That oil is blood oil.”