Angelina Jolie Supports Jackson Amendment for Sudan, other African Nations

Recently back from a visit to Darfur, Sudan, Angelina Jolie, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations refugee agency, today expressed her support for the Jackson Amendment to restore President Bush's request of $150 million for food aid in Sudan, and add $62 million for disaster assistance and $38 million for refugee assistance in Sudan and other African countries.

Congressman Jackson welcomed the support of the noted actress, who has toured Sudan's Darfur region and witnessed firsthand the suffering of innocent civilians. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for work that Ms. Jolie has done to bring attention to the plight of the Sudanese people and other similarly affected African nations. She understands that the Sudanese people have had their homes and crops destroyed, water contaminated, and lives unalterably affected," Jackson said.

"A number of organizations agree that my amendment projects the moral message America must send to Africa. InterAction, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, Bread for the World, Catholic Relief Service, Church World Service, and the American Jewish World Service are just a few organizations supporting it. I am pleased that so many organizations and individuals are speaking out on behalf of my amendment. It is my sincere hope that the Appropriations Committee and the Congress will follow their lead," Jackson concluded.

The full House Appropriations Committee meets today at 4p.m. in 2359 Rayburn House Office Building to consider the FY2005 Emergency Supplemental Bill. Congressman Jackson plans to introduce his amendment at that time.

Ms. Jolie has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since August 2001. She made her remarks at the National Press Club in Washington.

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.