Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman
Barbara Lee has been named co-chair of the Congressional Sudan Caucus
in the House of Representatives. Lee has been a long-standing leader
within the Caucus, focusing her efforts on bringing the world’s
attention to the genocide in Darfur. Congresswoman Lee continues to
call attention to the ongoing human calamity in the Sudanese border
areas of South Kordofan, Blue Nile, Abyei, and Darfur, and in Yida and
other refugee camps in South Sudan. The Sudanese government has
targeted civilian populations through the use of indiscriminate bombing
and the denial of humanitarian aid. These actions have left nearly half a
million people at risk of starvation in the coming weeks and months.
“I
am eager to work with my colleagues and fellow co-chairs,
Representatives Capuano, Wolf, and McCaul, to bring Khartoum, Juba, and
all stakeholders together to ensure that peace prevails in the region,”
said Congresswoman Lee. “At this critical time with Sudan and South
Sudan on the brink of war, it is critical that Congress and the United
States use all tools at its disposal to bring the two sides to the
negotiating table for peace talks.”
Congresswoman
Lee has sponsored legislation recognizing acts of genocide in the
region and urging China as well as the Arab League to step up efforts to
stop the genocide in Darfur. Her legislation to allow divestment from
companies doing business in the region was enacted into law in 2007. The
Congresswoman continues to call on international leaders to support
humanitarian efforts to aid delivery and access to these border areas.
This week, Congresswoman Lee will participate in a subcommittee hearing
on Sudan and will host U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice
for a special briefing with Members of Congress on international efforts
to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Congresswoman
Lee fills the seat vacated by the late Representative Donald Payne of
New Jersey, a long-time leader on Sudan and conflict resolution in
sub-Saharan Africa.
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Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee
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