Jackson Secures Boost in U.S. Food Aid to Sudan

House Appropriations Committee Increases Aid to Sudan by $150 Million

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., an ardent promoter of African assistance, today secured a $150 million increase in food aid to Sudan. During a congressional appropriations hearing, Mr. Jackson introduced an amendment that restored cuts in emergency food aid designated for Sudan.

"Congress and the President have already declared that genocide occurred in Sudan, and America has a moral responsibility to act. Considering the turmoil in Sudan, especially the Darfur region, now more than ever, U.S. aid and emergency assistance to Sudan is especially critical," Jackson said.

"Without question there is an urgent emergency need for food aid in the Sudan. In Darfur, Sudan some 30% of the resident population is food insecure. Nongovernmental organizations, like the World Food Program, estimate that they will need to provide food assistance for 5.6 million people in Sudan, of whom 2.3 million are in Darfur."

Congressman Jackson worked to increase aid to Sudan as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. His amendment to increase Sudan food aid passed on Tuesday by a margin of 32-31. The Jackson food amendment received the support of every Democrat on the Committee and three Republicans.

"I am proud to have crafted this amendment and helped with this bill which strengthens America's commitment to the Sudan. I will continue to fight in the Congress to ensure that Sudan and other African nations receive their fair share of foreign assistance. America cannot ignore whole regions of the globe, we must embrace them because it is the right thing to do," Jackson concluded.

Congressman Jackson has served on the House Appropriations Committee for six years. He currently sits on the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs, which funds disaster aid and refugee assistance.