[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DARFUR DIVESTMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 180, the 
Darfur Divestment and Accountability Act. This measure supports State, 
city, and university efforts to divest funds from, or restrict 
investments in, companies that conduct business operations in Sudan. 
H.R. 180 works toward a goal of ending a travesty that has resonated 
with people all over the world.
  My home State of Rhode Island has been active on this tragic issue 
for many years, with Providence becoming the first U.S. city to divest 
from companies tied to the Sudanese Government in 2006. Just this past 
month, Rhode Island passed Sudan divestment into law. These actions 
would not have been possible without our very active student 
population, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for 
their persistent advocacy.
  Like my constituents, I am deeply concerned over the ongoing violence 
and humanitarian disaster in the Darfur region. It is truly a tragedy 
that we have not learned from our mistakes in the past regarding 
genocide, but it is not too late to change the situation in Sudan. It 
is our duty to end this human suffering, and as a member of the Sudan 
Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to stop this 
conflict and promote peace in Sudan. Passing H.R. 180 is an important 
and necessary step for Congress to take as we work to achieve this 
goal.

                          ____________________