[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 106 (Thursday, August 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8813-S8817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mr. Kennedy):
  S. 3801. A bill to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace 
Agreement and to protect the lives and address the humanitarian needs 
of the people of Darfur, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Foreign Relations.
  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Peace In 
Darfur Act of 2006, along with my distinguished colleague from 
Massachusetts, Senator Kennedy. Our intention is to continue to press 
the Sudanese Government and rebel groups to honor the Abuja peace 
agreement reached on May 5 in Nigeria. We hope that this legislation 
will help bring about peace in the region.
  Mr. President, I will ask animous consent to have printed in the 
Record the following letters from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the 
American Jewish Committee and the Archdiocese of Portland, OR.
  Tragically, despite the Abuja peace agreement, the conflict in the 
Darfur region of Sudan has continued unabated throughout this spring 
and summer. The Janjaweed, a government supported militia, continues to 
attack innocent citizens and the government is unable, or unwilling, to 
stop this brutality.
  This violence has led to an increasingly--dire humanitarian 
situation. More then 3 million people are dependent upon humanitarian 
assistance. Imagine the entire state of Oregon, which has three and a 
half million citizens, dependent upon humanitarian aid. This is what we 
face in Darfur today.
  I commend the Bush administration for the work it has done in 
bringing about the Abuja peace agreement. America has been 
extraordinarily generous in providing over $1 billion worth of 
humanitarian assistance to those suffering in the region. Yet more must 
be done to bring an end to the conflict and give the Sudanese people a 
chance to live a normal life.
  The Peace in Darfur Act of 2006 seeks to increase the prospect of 
full implementation of the Abuja peace agreement and address the unmet 
humanitarian needs in Darfur. The bill supports the deployment of a 
United Nations peacekeeping force to Darfur, intensifying the 
international pressure on the Government of Sudan to comply with the 
agreement and allow in U.N. peacekeepers. This bill also codifies 
existing sanctions and calls for additional targeted sanctions on 
Sudan's leaders.
  While the African Union Mission in Sudan has performed admirably 
under difficult conditions, a stronger force must be deployed to 
provide stability, allow refugees to return to their homes, and restore 
some semblance of normalcy to those affected by the fighting. Section 4 
of our legislation calls upon the Government of Sudan to allow a United 
Nations peacekeeping force into Darfur to achieve these important 
objectives.
  Section 4 of our legislation also assigns the special envoy for 
Sudan, authorized in the fiscal year 2006 supplemental appropriations 
bill, the task of supporting the peace process. The urgency of this 
situation demands a constant level of attention at the highest level of 
our government, a task that the special envoy can facilitate.
  Section 5 of the bill codifies sanctions against Sudan that were 
imposed by Executive Order 13067. Codifying these sanctions will send a 
strong message to the Sudanese government that signing the peace 
agreement is not sufficient--we expect their full compliance and 
cooperation to bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing 
conflict.
  Section 6 of the bill requires the State Department to issue a report 
on the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement and a description 
of the humanitarian crisis. It also calls for the President to report 
on the international community's efforts to support the peace process 
and address humanitarian shortfalls. I believe this will hold 
accountable those countries that are actively undermining the peace 
agreement.
  If the President certifies that the Government of Sudan is 
implementing the peace agreement and has agreed to allow the presence 
of a U.N. peacekeeping mission, then the legislation requires the 
President to request recommendations to further the peace process from 
the special envoy for Sudan.
  However, if the President finds the Sudanese Government is impeding 
the peace process, the bill calls for the President to impose 
additional measures against Sudan, including enacting targeted 
sanctions on the Sudanese leadership and their immediate families.
  Section 7 requires a State Department report on those companies 
investing $5 million or more in Sudan. This information can then be 
used to deter investment groups, retirement funds, and others from 
investing in corporations doing business in Sudan. The legislation 
requires the Department of the Treasury to issue a report summarizing 
the assets of Sudanese leaders in the United States and elsewhere. This 
report will give a full accounting of the Sudanese leaders' assets and 
will allow the Department of the Treasury to take actions on these 
assets.
  Finally, section 8 of the legislation authorizes $150 million for 
humanitarian needs in Darfur (fiscal years 2008-2012 to alleviate the 
suffering of these needy people.
  Mr. President, I am pleased that Senator Kennedy has joined me in 
this effort. Our legislation is an important step in the efforts needed 
to bring peace to the region. We hope that it will continue to focus 
attention on the crisis and pressure the major actors to abide by the 
Abuja peace agreement.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the letters to which I 
referred earlier by printed in the Record.

[[Page S8814]]

  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                The American Jewish Committee,

                                   Washington, DC, August 2, 2006.
       Dear Senator: ``First they came first for the Communists, 
     and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then 
     they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out, 
     because I was not a Socialist; Then they came for the trade 
     unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade 
     unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak 
     out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there 
     was no one left to speak out for me.''
       In 1945 Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoller's voice echoed 
     around the globe as the world grieved over millions of lives 
     lost at the hands of genocide. Sixty years later, America 
     grieves as millions of innocent victims are being displaced, 
     raped, tortured, and murdered in the Darfur region of Sudan.
       Pressure is mounting for the Sudanese government to end its 
     genocide. Over the past two years, Congress has allocated 
     more than $250 million to expand and strengthen the role of 
     the African Union Mission in Darfur and to provide additional 
     humanitarian disaster relief throughout the region. As the 
     nation's oldest human relations organization, the American 
     Jewish Committee applauds Congress' action in approving these 
     funds, but we believe that more must be done.
       The fragile peace agreement reached in May now seems 
     shattered as fighting continues to rage throughout the 
     region. To halt the killing and displacement, civilians must 
     be protected, the peace agreement must be implemented, and a 
     secure environment must be established for the delivery of 
     humanitarian aid. As atrocities, crimes against humanity and 
     genocidal acts continue throughout the region, we urge you to 
     take further action toward protecting besieged Sudanese 
     civilians by supporting the Peace in Darfur Act.
       The Peace in Darfur Act, introduced by Senators Gordon 
     Smith and Edward Kennedy, directs the President to appoint a 
     new special envoy to Sudan. The Special Envoy, in 
     collaboration with international partners, would be best 
     positioned to advance the Darfur peace process. The bill also 
     calls on the government of Sudan to allow a UN peacekeeping 
     force to enter Darfur; NATO to provide humanitarian, 
     logistical, and personnel support to the UN; NATO to enforce 
     the no-fly zone over Darfur; and the international community 
     to not only support the African Union Mission (AMIS) in 
     Sudan, but also to provide humanitarian assistance. The bill 
     also authorizes an additional $150 million in humanitarian 
     aid for Fiscal Years 2008-2012. Further, the bill mandates a 
     Presidential report on the situation in Darfur that will cast 
     new light on the Sudanese government's actions and provide a 
     basis to impose targeted sanctions if necessary.
       On behalf of a community that has suffered persecution and 
     even genocide all too often in our history, we urge you to 
     support this crucial piece of legislation. The time to act is 
     now. History has demonstrated the price of standing idly by 
     in the face of such horrors.
           Respectfully,
                                                Richard T. Foltin,
     Legislative Director and Counsel.
                                  ____

                                          The Hebrew Immigrant Aid


                                                      Society,

                                       New York, NY July 28, 2006.
     Hon. Gordon Smith,
     Senate Russell Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Edward M. Kennedy,
     Senate Russell Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Smith and Senator Kennedy: I am writing on 
     behalf of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to express 
     our strong support for the ``Peace in Darfur Act of 2006.''
       For over 125 years, HIAS has helped millions of people 
     fleeing persecution and poverty through rescue, resettlement 
     and reunion. The Jewish tradition's emphasis on refugee 
     protection and our community's experience with the trauma of 
     genocide and refugee flight make what's happening in Darfur 
     an issue of primary concern for the Jewish community. We 
     therefore applaud this bill for taking concrete steps to 
     alleviate the inconceivable suffering and hardship that so 
     many innocent Sudanese have endured in the past three years.
       Specifically, we are pleased that this bill authorizes $150 
     million in additional funding to help meet tbe unmet 
     humanitarian needs in Darfur. With an office in eastern Chad 
     and programs in three refugee camps, HIAS has seen first-hand 
     the dire consequences when the basic necessities of life, 
     including food, water, and health services, are not met. In 
     June 2005, HIAS launched the Initiative for Sudanese Refugees 
     in Chad, which is intended to strengthen the refugees' 
     psychological and social conditions and to convey skills 
     needed to survive and function in the aftermath of extreme 
     violence. Re-acquisition of these basic skills is crucial to 
     break the chain of dependence and suffering caused by severe 
     psychological trauma. By allocating additional funding to 
     provide such basic necessities as food and water, this bill 
     will help remove yet another hurdle to the Darfuri refugees' 
     ability to support themselves and regain control over their 
     lives and well-being.
       The Jewish community, knowing all too well what results 
     when genocide is met with silence and inaction, has 
     aggressively denounced the genocide in Darfur and called on 
     the U.S. Government to do more in response. By requiring the 
     Administration to take several important actions, including 
     appointing a Special Envoy for Sudan, the ``Peace in Darfur 
     Act of 2006'' is a significant and vital bill that should be 
     supported by all Members of Congress. To us, ``never again'' 
     is more than just a quote--it is a mandate.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Gideon Aronoff,
     CEO and President.
                                  ____



                            Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon,

                                      Portland, OR, July 31, 2006.
     Sen. Gordon Smith,
     Portland, OR.
       Dear Senator Smith: Thank you for the opportunity to 
     comment on the draft legislation ``Supporting Peace and 
     Alleviating Suffering in Darfur'' that you are co-authoring 
     with Senator Kennedy. The continuing violence and atrocities 
     being committed in Darfur are tragic and deplorable. As 
     people of faith we are compelled to do everything in our 
     power to protect the lives and dignity of the victims. I 
     deeply appreciate your leadership on this issue, and in 
     particular your continuing efforts to introduce legislation 
     in the U.S. Senate.
       Archbishop Vlazny wrote that people of faith must 
     demonstrate a willingness ``to go beyond our own boundaries 
     to serve those in need and to work for global justice and 
     peace. Ours is a shrinking and suffering world. Every once in 
     a while a particular need in some corner of today's world 
     becomes so acute that, for a time, it serves as the unique 
     moral test of our society with respect to our care for the 
     weakest among us . . . The Khartoum government has the 
     greatest responsibility [for the violence and harassment 
     directed against the Fur Zagahawa and Masaalite black African 
     ethnic groups by the Janjaweed] and must be pressured to do 
     what it can to bring an end to the conflict. We continue to 
     urge the United Nations and our own government to apply that 
     pressure.'' (Catholic Sentinel, August 26, 2004)
       Even though the atrocities being committed against the 
     population of Darfur were declared to be genocide by the 
     international community in July 2004, the violence has 
     continued unabated. It is clear that much more intensive and 
     sustained engagement is required of the international 
     community.
       In May 2006, the Sudanese Government of National Unity and 
     the Sudan Liberation Movement signed the Darfur Peace 
     Agreement. Bishop Wenski, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of 
     Catholic Bishops Committee on International Policy, said the 
     peace accord ``will open the way for the United States to 
     hold the Sudanese government to its promise of allowing the 
     African Union peacekeeping force (AMIS) to be transformed 
     into a more robust and mobile UN mission with a strong 
     mandate. It is essential to strengthen significantly the 
     presence and responsiveness of peacekeeping forces in Darfur, 
     both to guarantee implementation of the peace agreement and 
     to win the confidence of the people.''
       In answer to the Gospel's call to protect human life and 
     dignity, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops joined the 
     Save Darfur Coalition, an alliance of over 150 faith-based, 
     humanitarian, and human rights organizations that organized 
     the Million Voices for Darfur Campaign, in calling upon our 
     leaders to no longer remain silent in the face of the 
     killings, rape and wanton destruction occurring daily in 
     Darfur.
       The specific actions that were requested included:
       (1) Retain urgently needed funding for humanitarian relief 
     in the FY 2006 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill.
       (2) Pressure the government in Khartoum to disarm the 
     warring factions, cease all attacks against innocent 
     civilians, provide unimpeded humanitarian access and bring to 
     justice those perpetrating crimes against humanity.
       (3) Pressure both the government and the rebels to respect 
     the existing ceasefire agreement and to intensify the search 
     for a durable peace during ongoing negotiations in Abuja, 
     while simultaneously urging both Sudan and Chad to refrain 
     from any escalation that might lead to threatened 
     hostilities.
       (4) Urge the U.S. to use its voice in the U.N. Security 
     Council to ensure the continuation of the mandate of the 
     African Union in Darfur to monitor the ceasefire, protect 
     innocent civilians, and assist international humanitarian 
     relief organizations, while urging NATO to provide AMIS with 
     all possible logistical support until the transition to full-
     fledged UN peacekeeping force can be completed.
       (5) Hold the signatories to the Comprehensive Peace 
     Agreement fully accountable, and honor the promise to provide 
     substantial financial and political support to the government 
     of national unity to undertake the reconstruction of the 
     country and its civil society.
       (6) Urge the U.N. Security Council to continue its support 
     for the peacekeeping mission that is working with all parties 
     to the

[[Page S8815]]

     national-unity government to implement the peace accord. The 
     United States should provide adequate funding and logistical 
     support so that peace and security might be achieved.
       The draft legislation that you have proposed (``Supporting 
     Peace and Alleviating Suffering in Darfur Act'', July 12, 
     2006 version) addresses these requested actions in a 
     comprehensive and thorough manner. We are deeply grateful 
     that you have demonstrated leadership on this issue and are 
     willing to take the necessary steps to protect the people of 
     Darfur from further harm. We join you in hoping that these 
     measures will be fully effective.
       The events of the past few months demonstrate that 
     significant progress can be made with high level engagement 
     on the part of the U.S. Congress and Administration. Please 
     share our appreciation and gratitude with everyone who made 
     this initial step toward peace possible. We offer our full 
     support for continued and sustained leadership in the 
     difficult time ahead.
           Sincerely,
                                             David Carrier, Ph.D.,
                            Director, Office of Justice and Peace.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, Senator Smith and I have sent a bill to 
the desk to address the heart-wrenching crisis in Darfur and support 
the peace process there, and we look for its early consideration.
  The horrifying violence in the Darfur region of Sudan was recognized 
by Congress and the Bush administration as genocide over 2 years ago, 
and it continues unabated today. However, rays of hope for peace can be 
seen on the horizon. On May 5, the Government of Sudan and the main 
rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minnawi, agreed 
to a plan that, if implemented, could bring peace to Darfur.
  The plan calls for an immediate cease-fire and requires the 
Government of Sudan to neutralize and disarm the Janjaweed militia, the 
gunmen supported by the government who have been conducting a bloody 
campaign to forcibly displace non-Arab tribes from Darfur.
  The Darfur Peace Agreement is an opportunity we need to seize. To do 
so, greater international pressure on the Sudanese government will be 
required in order to improve the prospects of effective implementation. 
Developments since its signing indicate that the present level of 
international pressure isn't enough.
  Three months have passed, but the Sudanese Government has done little 
to take the most important step in the peace plan--disarming the 
Janjaweed. Khartoum's past record is not encouraging. It has pledged to 
disarm the Janjaweed on previous occasions but then failed to follow 
through. This reluctance is not unexpected in light of the government's 
cynical use of the Janjaweed to exercise power in the Darfur region.
  In recent months, the violence in Darfur has spilled over into 
neighboring Chad. The two governments each support armed groups opposed 
to the other. Sudanese helicopters and planes attack innocent villagers 
in Darfur, despite a United Nations order not to fly over Darfur.
  The African Union Mission in Sudan, which has 7,000 peacekeepers in 
Darfur, has made a valiant effort to provide security and assist the 
people of Darfur. Nonetheless, the African Union peacekeepers are not 
able even to defend themselves, much less the two million refugees and 
internally displaced persons fleeing the violence. This mission is 
obviously unprepared and ill-equipped to press for and verify the 
implementation of the May 5 peace agreement.
  Sudan appears to be waiting to see whether the international 
community will again just lament the crisis and make hollow threats, or 
is now ready and willing to take concrete steps. As one high-ranking 
Sudanese Government official said to a Boston Globe reporter, ``The 
United Nations Security Council has threatened us so many times, we no 
longer take it seriously.'' It is time for the United States and the 
international community to let the Sudanese Government know that this 
time we expect Sudan to carry through on its commitments in the Darfur 
Peace Agreement. Fortunately, the international community has already 
taken initial actions to support the May 5 Peace Agreement. The African 
Union and the United Nations are planning for the transfer of 
peacekeeping responsibilities from the African Union to the United 
Nations. In addition, NATO has begun planning on how to support a U.N. 
peacekeeping mission, and the European Union hosted a conference in 
July on assistance for Darfur.

  Although the international community has signaled support for the 
Darfur Peace Agreement, Khartoum has been dragging its heels. In 
particular, it has not yet agreed to allow a U.N. peacekeeping mission 
into Darfur. The international community must strengthen its effort to 
persuade the Sudanese Government to comply with the agreement and 
permit the U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur.
  One of the tragic outcomes of the Darfur violence is an alarming 
humanitarian crisis. More than 3 million people in Darfur are dependent 
on humanitarian assistance for survival. The violence in Darfur has 
forced millions to flee from their homes. The U.N. Office for the 
Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance reports that significant needs 
for health, food and water, and sanitation are not being met in Darfur. 
The World Food Program warns of a $400 million shortfall in the funds 
it now has for Sudan. Because of the shortages in food relief, the 
refugees are receiving only partial rations.
  The children suffer most. One in four children in Darfur die before 
the age of five. The most needy frequently remain hidden, because 
insecurity in the region prevents them from making the dangerous trip 
to international relief centers.
  The United States has been the largest single donor of humanitarian 
assistance to the people of Darfur, and we must continue our effort in 
order to give the people of the region much-needed aid. We must do more 
to encourage the international community to do so as well.
  Sadly, the continuation of violence in the region has severely 
hindered humanitarian aid efforts. In the past 6 months, aid groups in 
eastern Chad have lost 26 vehicles to armed hijackers. One UNICEF 
worker was shot and nearly killed. It is unfair to put relief agencies 
in a situation where they must either risk having their aid workers 
murdered or raped, or pull out and leave thousands in Darfur to die. 
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said of this crisis, ``Giving aid 
without protection is like putting a Band-Aid on an open wound.''
  To give peace the best chance of taking hold, peace, the Sudanese 
Government must be persuaded to implement its commitment to neutralize 
and disarm the Janjaweed. The Sudanese can be influenced by what the 
rest of the world does. Sudan is not an isolated, remote land. It is 
the largest country in Africa, and has significant economic and 
political ties to the rest of Africa and the world.
  Now is the time for the United States, in concert with other 
countries, to act on Darfur. This is why Senator Smith and I have 
introduced legislation to urge the Sudanese parties to honor their 
commitment in the peace accord. The bill also helps to address the 
unmet humanitarian needs in Darfur.
  At its core, the legislation is intended to encourage greater 
international pressure on the Government of Sudan to fulfill its 
obligations in the peace agreement and to allow U.N. peacekeepers into 
Darfur.
  In preparing this legislation, we have worked closely with the NGO 
community of experts. Groups such as the International Crisis Group, 
Refugees International, Save Darfur Coalition, the Hebrew International 
Aid Society, the American Jewish Committee, the American Jewish World 
Service, and Physicians for Human Rights have endorsed it. I will ask 
that the letters of endorsements that I have submitted be printed in 
the Record.
  The legislation assigns to the Presidential envoy for Sudan the 
responsibility for supporting the Darfur peace process and, together 
with the international community, to press the Sudanese parties to 
implement the agreed-upon ceasefire and disarm the Janjaweed militia.
  It calls on the Government of Sudan to immediately allow a U.N. 
peacekeeping force to enter Darfur and to implement the Darfur Peace 
Agreement.
  It calls on NATO to enforce the no-fly zone over Darfur, if requested 
by the U.N., and to provide airlift, and logistical and intelligence 
support to the peacekeepers.
  It calls on the international community to act promptly to meet the 
outstanding humanitarian assistance

[[Page S8816]]

needs. We must do our part too. The legislation authorizes $150 million 
in additional funds for each of the next 5 fiscal years to meet these 
needs.
  Under the legislation, the President will report on whether the 
Sudanese Government is implementing the peace agreement and has agreed 
to allow a U.N. peacekeeping mission to enter Darfur. If so, then the 
Presidential special envoy for Sudan will be requested to develop 
recommendations to advance the peace process. If the Sudanese 
Government refuses, then the President will impose sanctions targeted 
on the leaders of Sudan, urge the international community to do the 
same, and continue to oppose normalization of its relations with Sudan.
  In addition, the bill requires reports from the Commerce Department 
identifying companies investing $5 million or more in Sudan and a 
listing of the assets of Sudanese leaders in the United States and 
elsewhere.
  With so much other violence erupting in the world, we must not ignore 
the crisis in Darfur. Without international action, the genocide will 
go on. The Sudanese Government will balk or move slowly on disarming 
the Janjaweed and bringing an end to the violence. Experts estimate 
that since the conflict in Darfur began in 2004, up to 300,000 people 
have been killed, and an estimated 1.9 million have been displaced. 
Every day that we fail to act, those shameful numbers will increase.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the letters to which I 
referred be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:


                                   International Crisis Group,

                                   Washington, DC, August 1, 2006.
     Hon. Edward Kennedy,
     Russell Senate Building,
     Washington DC.
       Dear Senator Kennedy: The International Crisis Group 
     strongly supports the Peace in Darfur Act of 2006, which you 
     are co-sponsoring with Senator Smith.
       For the past 2 years, Crisis Group has advocated for tough 
     legislation to address the ongoing atrocities in Darfur, 
     Sudan. Last year, we endorsed the Darfur Accountability Act 
     (HR 1424) and the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (HR 
     3127). The Peace in Darfur Act complements previous 
     legislation by calling explicitly for the U.S. to do the 
     following: name a special envoy and lead multilateral 
     efforts; increase pressure on the government of Sudan to 
     allow the deployment of a robust UN peace support mission 
     under Chapter VII of the UN Charter; and encourage non-
     signatories to sign the Darfur Peace Agreement by addressing 
     its inadequacies.
       Congressional action has been crucial in providing life-
     saving humanitarian assistance to millions of conflict-
     affected civilians in Darfur and in supporting African 
     peacekeepers, but the situation remains critical. Concerted 
     pressure on the government of Sudan, including U.S. support 
     for the work of the International Criminal Court, is vital to 
     hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable and to ensure 
     that UN forces are deployed to protect civilians.
           Yours sincerely,
                                                Mark L. Schneider,
     Senior Vice President.
                                  ____



                                       Refugees International,

                                   Washington, DC, August 1, 2006.
     Hon. Edward Kennedy,
     U.S. Senate,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Kennedy: I am writing in support of the Peace 
     in Darfur Act of 2006, which you and Sen. Smith are co-
     sponsoring. This important piece of legislation keeps the 
     pressure on the government of Sudan and other parties to 
     honor and implement the Darfur Peace Agreement. It recognizes 
     the need to support the African Union force (AM IS) while 
     moving toward a UN force in Darfur, and it calls for the 
     continuation of necessary humanitarian aid.
       Last week I returned from Darfur, where death, displacement 
     and suffering are continuing, despite the signing of the 
     Darfur Peace Agreement on May 5th. Based on talks with 
     internally displaced people, rebel leaders, Sudanese 
     government officials, civil society leaders, diplomats and UN 
     officials, it is clear to me that the U.S. must keep the 
     pressure on the government of Sudan to disarm the Janjaweed 
     militia and work for peace. The appointment of a presidential 
     envoy will give the U.S. more leverage and focus in its 
     efforts to promote peace in Darfur.
       Please ask your office to contact me if I can be of further 
     assistance in supporting the Peace in Darfur Act of 2006.
           Sincerely,
     Kenneth H. Bacon,
                                  ____

                                                        President.


                                 Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society,

                                      New York, NY, July 28, 2006.
     Hon. Gordon Smith,
     Senate Russell Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Edward M. Kennedy,
     Senate Russell Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Smith and Senator Kennedy: I am writing on 
     behalf of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to express 
     our strong support for the ``Peace in Darfur Act of 2006.''
       For over 125 years, HIAS has helped millions of people 
     fleeing persecution and poverty through rescue, resettlement 
     and reunion. The Jewish tradition's emphasis on refugee 
     protection and our community's experience with the trauma of 
     genocide and refugee flight make what's happening in Darfur 
     an issue of primary concern for the Jewish community. We 
     therefore applaud this bill for taking concrete steps to 
     alleviate the inconceivable suffering and hardship that so 
     many innocent Sudanese have endured in the past three years.
       Specifically, we are pleased that this bill authorizes $150 
     million in additional funding to help meet the unmet 
     humanitarian needs in Darfur. With an office in eastern Chad 
     and programs in three refugee camps, HIAS has seen first-hand 
     the dire consequences when the basic necessities of life, 
     including food, water, and health services, are not met. In 
     June 2005, HIAS launched the Initiative for Sudanese Refugees 
     in Chad, which is intended to strengthen the refugees' 
     psychological and social conditions and to convey skills 
     needed to survive and function in the aftermath of extreme 
     violence. Re-acquisition of these basic skills is crucial to 
     break the chain of dependence and suffering caused by severe 
     psychological trauma. By allocating additional funding to 
     provide such basic necessities as food and water, this bill 
     will help remove yet another hurdle to the Darfuri refugees' 
     ability to support themselves and regain control over their 
     lives and well-being.
       The Jewish community, knowing all too well what results 
     when genocide is met with silence and inaction, has 
     aggressively denounced the genocide in Darfur and called on 
     the U.S. Government to do more in response. By requiring the 
     Administration to take several important actions, including 
     appointing a Special Envoy for Sudan, the ``Peace in Darfur 
     Act of 2006'' is a significant and vital bill that should be 
     supported by all Members of Congress. To us, ``never again'' 
     is more than just a quote--it is a mandate.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Gideon Aronoff,
     CEO and President.
                                  ____



                                The American Jewish Committee,

                                   Washington, DC, August 2, 2006.
       Dear Senator: 
       ``First they came first for the Communists, and I did not 
     speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for 
     the Socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a 
     Socialist; Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did 
     not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they 
     came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not 
     a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to 
     speak out for me.''
       In 1945 Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoller's voice echoed 
     around the globe as the world grieved over millions of lives 
     lost at the hands of genocide. Sixty years later, America 
     grieves as millions of innocent victims are being displaced, 
     raped, tortured, and murdered in the Darfur region of Sudan.
       Pressure is mounting for the Sudanese government to end its 
     genocide. Over the past two years, Congress has allocated 
     more than $250 million to expand and strengthen the role of 
     the African Union Mission in Darfur and to provide additional 
     humanitarian disaster relief throughout the region. As the 
     nation's oldest human relations organization, the American 
     Jewish Committee applauds Congress' action in approving these 
     funds, but we believe that more must be done.
       The fragile peace agreement reached in May now seems 
     shattered as fighting continues to rage throughout the 
     region. To halt the killing and displacement, civilians must 
     be protected, the peace agreement must be implemented, and a 
     secure environment must be established for the delivery of 
     humanitarian aid. As atrocities, crimes against humanity and 
     genocidal acts continue throughout the region, we urge you to 
     take further action toward protecting besieged Sudanese 
     civilians by supporting the Peace in Darfur Act.
       The Peace in Darfur Act, introduced by Senators Gordon 
     Smith and Edward Kennedy, directs the President to appoint a 
     new special envoy to Sudan. The Special Envoy, in 
     collaboration with international partners, would be best 
     positioned to advance the Darfur peace process. The bill also 
     calls on the government of Sudan to allow a UN peacekeeping 
     force to enter Darfur; NATO to provide humanitarian, 
     logistical, and personnel support to the UN; NATO to enforce 
     the no-fly zone over Darfur; and the international community 
     to not only support the African Union Mission (AMIS) in 
     Sudan, but also to provide humanitarian assistance. The bill 
     also authorizes an additional $150 million in humanitarian 
     aid for Fiscal Years 2008-2012. Further, the bill mandates a 
     Presidential report on the situation in Darfur that will cast 
     new light on the Sudanese government's actions and provide a 
     basis to impose targeted sanctions if necessary.
       On behalf of a community that has suffered persecution and 
     even genocide all too often

[[Page S8817]]

     in our history, we urge you to support this crucial piece of 
     legislation. The time to act is now. History has demonstrated 
     the price of standing idly by in the face of such horrors.
           Respectfully,
                                                Richard T. Foltin,
     Legislative Director and Counsel.
                                  ____



                                  Physicians for Human Rights,

                                   Washington, DC, August 2, 2006.
     Office of Senator Edward Kennedy.
       I wanted to let you know through this e-mail that 
     Physicians for Human Rights supports the Kennedy/Smith Darfur 
     legislation. You may use our name in list of organizations 
     supporting the bill.
       Thank you,
           Best regards,
                                                     Smita Baruah,
     Senior Manager for Government Affairs.
                                  ____



                                         Save Dafur Coalition,

                                   Washington, DC, August 2, 2006.
     Office of Senator Edward Kennedy.
       Please include the Save Darfur Coalition in your list of 
     organizations supporting this bill.
           Thanks,
                                                     Alex Meixner,
     Communications and Legislative Coordinator.
                                  ____



                                American Jewish World Service,

                                   Washington, DC, August 1, 2006.
     Office of Senator Edward Kennedy.
       American Jewish World Service can endorse the legislation.
           Thanks,
                                                 Stefanie Ostfeld.
                                 ______