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Darfur
Regarding the ongoing crisis in the war-torn region of Darfur in the Sudan, I agree that effective steps must promptly be taken to bring an end to the indescribable tragedy in Darfur.  Hundreds of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed or forced into exile.  I believe the international community should work together in confronting this tragedy.  It is becoming apparent, however, that a few countries in the United Nations seemingly support the Sudanese government and are playing a key role in preventing the international body from effectively addressing this terrible situation.  If this ineffectiveness continues, our nation and allies may need to take firmer actions aimed at fostering peace and ending the genocide in this war-torn region.

The United States has actively sought a resolution to the tragedy in Darfur.  With my strong support, Congress declared that the tragedy constitutes "genocide," and passed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006.  Among other actions, this law calls on President Bush to place additional sanctions against the government of Sudan if it continues to commit atrocities in Darfur.  The Bush Administration has also appointed a special envoy to the region, expressed support for actions by the International Criminal Court to indict and prosecute those responsible for the genocide, and supported a UN resolution calling for a 20,000-person peacekeeping force to supplement the inadequate African Union (AU) force.  The Administration also took an active role in brokering the May 2006 cease-fire between the Sudanese government and the largest rebel group.  Additionally, in recent years, Congress has provided over $2.7 billion to Sudan in humanitarian aid and assistance to AU peacekeepers.  Considering these actions and more, an expert from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service observed recently, "The U.S. has done more than any other country in the world" to try to stop the genocide in Darfur.

Moving forward, the U.S. Treasury Department reportedly is considering the implementation of a program that would significantly limit financial transactions that benefit the Sudanese government.  Additionally, during recent meetings with President Bush and leaders of the European Union, British Prime Minister Blair suggested that the UN should consider enforcing a no-fly zone to prevent deadly air raids on civilians.  I also understand there are ongoing efforts to encourage the League of Arab States to increase its efforts to persuade the Sudanese government to allow a hybrid UN/AU peacekeeping force to enter Darfur.  I further understand that there may soon be a new push to persuade China and Russia to support UN economic sanctions against the Sudanese government.  Because the Sudanese president has repeatedly defied international calls to stop the violence and has reneged on promises to allow additional peacekeeping forces to enter Darfur, I believe the United States and its coalition partners should consider such "Plan B" options.      

In Congress, Representative Barbara Lee (CA-09) recently introduced H.R. 180, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007.  This measure would prohibit U.S. government contracts from going to certain foreign companies that conduct business in Sudan.  It would also require the Securities and Exchange Commission to identify foreign companies doing business in Sudan, and require such companies to explain the nature of their business.  Further, it would require the General Accountability Office to determine and make public the extent of all Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board investments in these companies.  Lastly, the measure would commend states, such as California, and universities that have already taken steps to divest funds from foreign companies conducting business with the Sudanese government.  A member of my office attended a recent hearing on this legislation before the House Committee on Financial Services, and my staff has been in contact with Representative Lee's office.  I understand that the congresswoman is considering slight but important changes to the measure to ensure that well-intentioned U.S. companies are not inadvertently characterized as supporting the Sudanese government.  Such a tweak in the legislation could bring forth a broader base of supporters.

In addition, Representative Lee has introduced H. Con. Res.7, which calls for the Arab League to label the situation in Darfur as genocide, and to pass a resolution in support of allowing UN peacekeepers to take action in the region.  With that in mind, you may be interested to know that I recently joined other representatives in contacting the Secretary General of the League of Arab States to urge him to take these critical steps.  Additionally, Representative Donald Payne (NJ-10) will reportedly introduce legislation that would authorize the President to enforce a no-fly zone and impose additional sanctions on the Sudanese government.  Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-15) recently introduced a measure that would amend the Internal Revenue Service to deny U.S. companies doing business in Sudan certain tax benefits.  With that said, it is important to note that Congressman Rangel's bill appears to be primarily a preventive measure, because I understand current law stipulates that U.S. companies cannot conduct business in Sudan, with exceptions such as humanitarian aid.  I further understand the second purpose of Mr. Rangel's measure is to ensure that U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies do not receive U.S. tax benefits.  I will further explore this issue to determine the usefulness of this legislation.    

As Congress continues to consider the best and most effective way it can help put an end to the terrible tragedy in the Sudan, please be assured that I will give careful and thoughtful consideration of supporting these and other measures introduced in the House.  I agree the United States must continue to do everything it can to help bring an end to this terrible tragedy.  Please know that I will continue to monitor events in Darfur and will keep your views in mind should additional legislation relating to the region come to a vote in the House of Representatives.

Herger Joins Colleagues in Urging China to Pressure Sudan to Stop Genocide