LEGISLATIVE ACTION

US legislation can go a long way towards influencing international action. From non-binding Congressional resolutions that pressure other governments to do the right thing, to binding bills that protect states' rights to divest from Sudan, the following pieces of legislation provide much-needed support to the people of Darfur.

Current Legislation

The Sudan Divestment Authorization Act:

Senate Bill 831
Introduced: March 8, 2007
Sponsored by: Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Co-sponsors: 31
Status: Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs

This bill authorizes states to pursue divestment from foreign companies that help to fund the genocide in Sudan, and clarifies that state efforts at divestment are compatible with federal sanctions law. The bill is critical to ensure that the great strides in divestment made by over a dozen states are protected from legal challenges by those who would put profit ahead of human rights.

Appropriations

Providing adequate funding for peacekeeping is crucial to the success of the recently authorized UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Financial support from the United States will be necessary from the start to ensure that the upfront costs necessary to get the mission on the ground—such as building barracks and locating potable water—are fully funded. According to estimates compiled by the Partnership for Effective Peacekeeping, funding for peacekeeping is currently $386 million short and does not take the pending UNAMID force into account. The United States Congress must be prepared to provide additional funding to cover this shortfall in the Fall Supplemental.
 
To download a briefing paper on the current appropriations issue, click here.

Recently Passed Legislation

Senate China Resolution:

Senate Resolution 203
Introduced: May 16, 2007
Sponsored by: Senator Robert Menendez (NJ)
Co-sponsors: 23
Status: Passed

This non-binding resolution calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan. It recognizes the close relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Sudan and urges the government the PRC to use its political, international, and economic influence to stop the violence in Darfur, Sudan, by encouraging a robust peacekeeping force and effective peace process. It also recognizes that the spirit of the Olympics, which is to bring together nations and people from all over the world in peace, is incompatible with actions supporting acts of genocide.

Take Action!

Helping to pass this important legislation takes only two easy steps:

1. Rate your Reps : Visit Darfur Scores and type in your zip code to view your Representatives' Darfur Report Card. See what kind of legislative action your rep has - or hasn't - taken.
   
2. Lead your Leaders : Call the office of your Representative, or dial 1-800-GENOCIDE, the Genocide Intervention Network's toll-free hotline, to be connected to the office of your Representative for free. Let your Representatives know what steps they can take to help the people of Darfur!