The latest GI-Net "Action Alert"...
The House of Representatives has left for the holidays and the Senate will head home at the end of the week. [Fifty] million dollars for the AU peacekeepers will not be appropriated and the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (PDF) will not be passed before Congress returns at the end of January. In order to achieve these goals early next year, concerned Americans should meet with their representatives and senators (or their staff) while they are home in January. To learn how, visit www.GenocideHitsHome.org.
Pressure from concerned Americans generated a lot of media and congressional attention in the past month. As a result, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was moved to action. Secretary Rice sent a letter and made calls to Congress in support of the $50 million appropriation for the AU peacekeepers. Unfortunately, her appeals could not sway Congress.
The Darfur Peace and Accountability Act passed the Senate on Nov. 18, and the House was poised to pass the DPAA before the White House delayed it. Apparently, the Bush Administration objects to the continuation of sanctions on the government of Sudan. Congress must not allow this pressure to prevent the passage of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act.
Congressional action for Darfur has driven U.S. policy towards the region. Early next year Congress has another opportunity to lead America in protecting Darfurians. But Congress won’t act without your letters, phone calls and — most importantly — meetings! To make a meeting with your elected officials in January, visit www.GenocideHitsHome.org.
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