[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H6185-H6189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
URGING RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE
CONGO
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 780) urging respect for the constitution of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power
in 2016, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 780
Whereas given its size, location, and diverse economy, the
United States has deep interests in the democratic stability
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC);
Whereas from 1996 to 2006, more than 3,000,000 people died
in the DRC as a result of internal and regional wars, and
significant violence persists in the Eastern Congo;
Whereas a root cause of these conflicts was the decay of
the undemocratic and corrupt regime of President Mobutu Sese
Seko;
Whereas in 2002 the United States, working with African and
European partners, helped facilitate a Congo peace accord
that included a democratic transition and free elections
under a new constitution limiting the President to two terms
by an unamendable provision and providing for the President
of the Senate to assume power temporarily until elections can
be held once a Presidential vacancy is declared;
Whereas in 2006 Joseph Kabila was elected President in what
was widely viewed as a free and fair election, but many
respected international observers concluded that his 2011
election ``victory'' was ``not credible'';
Whereas President Kabila's second term will end on December
19, 2016, after which his government can no longer be
considered the constitutionally legitimate representative of
the Congolese people;
Whereas President Kabila has yet to declare unequivocally
and publicly that he will step down at the end of his term,
as required by the constitution, causing growing political
tension, unrest, and violence across the country;
Whereas during the summer of 2014, President Kabila tried
unsuccessfully to persuade parliament to change the
constitution to open the way for his continuation in power
after his term expires on December 19, 2016, and subsequently
attempted to pass a law requiring a multiyear census in
advance of the Presidential election--an effort that was
dropped in January 2015 after mass demonstrations in which
Kabila's security forces killed at least 42 people and
arbitrarily jailed hundreds;
Whereas since January 2015, in further steps to undermine
democratic processes and institutions, Congolese security and
intelligence officials have clamped down on peaceful
activists, political leaders, and others who oppose President
Kabila's effort to stay in power past his constitutionally
mandated two-term limit;
Whereas since January 2015 President Kabila has continually
used administrative and technical means to try to delay the
Presidential election (including an overloaded, unfeasible
multielection calendar, failure to pass timely election laws
and release authorized election budgets, abruptly
implementing the division of the country's provinces, and
having his ``Independent National Election Commission''
recently declare that it will take 16 months to update the
voter roll);
Whereas the broad national dialogue convened by President
Kabila served as another means of justifying a delay of the
scheduled November 2016 elections despite the widespread
withdrawal of participation by opposition parties and church
leaders;
Whereas President Obama spoke with President Kabila on
March 15, 2015, and ``emphasized the importance of timely,
credible, and peaceful elections that respect the DRC's
constitution and protect the rights of all DRC citizens'';
Whereas President Kabila is calling for a broad national
dialogue that could be used to confuse the election issue and
serve as yet another means of delaying the scheduled November
2016 elections;
Whereas international and domestic human rights groups
continually report on the worsening of the situation with
regard to human rights in the DRC, including the use of
excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and an
increase in politically motivated trials and the United
Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has registered more than 260
human rights violations, mainly against political opponents,
civil society, and journalists during the past year;
Whereas the DRC retains a relatively vibrant civil society
that is exerting pressure on the government, and is at risk
of being stamped out due to government repression consistent
with President Kabila's attempt to remain in power;
Whereas leaders of Congo's main opposition parties,
nongovernmental organizations, and prodemocracy youth
movements called on Congolese citizens to stay home from work
and school on February 16, 2016, for ``Ville Morte (Dead City
Day)'' largely to protest against delays in organizing
Presidential elections;
Whereas the strike was largely successful in major
Congolese cities despite government detentions and threats;
Whereas, on March 10, 2016, the European Union Parliament
adopted a resolution that urged the European Union to ``use
all its diplomatic and economic tools'' in favor of
``compliance with the constitution of the DRC'' and invited
African Union member states to also become engaged in the
effort to advance this goal;
Whereas the European Union Parliament resolution also
called upon the European Union ``to consider imposing
targeted sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes,
so as to help prevent further violence'';
Whereas, on March 30, 2016, the United Nations Security
Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2277, expressing
``deep concern'' about ``delays in the Presidential
election'' and ``increased restriction of the political space
in the DRC'' and calling for ``ensuring the successful and
timely holding'' of Presidential and legislative elections
``in accordance with the Constitution'';
Whereas, on June 23, 2016, the U.S. Department of the
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned
General Celestin Kanyama of the Congolese National Police for
his role in targeting of civilian protestors;
Whereas, on September 28, 2016, the U.S. Department of the
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Major
General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and General John Numbi for
leading an armed group that has threatened the stability of
the DRC and violently suppressing political opposition,
respectively;
Whereas the DRC's Independent National Electoral Commission
and the Constitutional Court have validated the indefinite
postponement of the scheduled November 2016 elections; and
Whereas the Kabila government has stated that the elections
may now take place as late as 2018, potentially extending his
mandate by as much as two years: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) under Executive Order 13413, as amended by Executive
Order 13671, in coordination to the maximum extent possible
with its African and European partners, the United States
should impose sanctions on government officials of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who impede progress
toward a peaceful democratic transition through credible
elections that respect the will of the people of the DRC;
(2) sanctions should target core figures in the government
of President Kabila for visa denials and for asset freezes
because of actions that ``undermine democratic processes or
institutions'';
(3) economic and security assistance provided to the DRC
government should be reviewed for possible termination, while
preserving other, particularly humanitarian, assistance
through nongovernmental and international organizations, and
review future international financial institution assistance
to the DRC until the election crisis is resolved;
(4) the President should lift sanctions only when the
President determines that--
(A) President Kabila has unequivocally and publicly
declared that, in accordance with the constitution, he will
not remain in power once his term ends on December 19, 2016,
has made verifiable progress on the ground towards holding
timely free and fair national elections in accordance with
the constitution, and has demonstrably opened the necessary
political space for the opposition and civil society; or
(B) the DRC has held a free and fair Presidential election
as provided by the constitution and a new President has been
sworn in;
[[Page H6186]]
(5) if President Kabila's government meets the condition
specified in paragraph (4)(A), the United States should join
other donors in helping to support election preparedness,
including voter registration and supporting a level playing
field for campaign activities by diverse political parties;
(6) the United States Government should support independent
DRC civil society organizations and media to more effectively
monitor efforts to undermine democracy and governance;
(7) the United States Government should use authorities
under subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 31, United States
Code, chapter X of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, and
the section 1956 of title 18, United States Code, to
investigate and target money laundering activities,
specifically related to the diversion of proceeds of
corruption, by key figures close to President Kabila;
(8) these authorities should be employed to target the
financial institutions facilitating money laundering by these
figures as well as to pressure the jurisdictions in which
they are located to monitor this activity and take
enforcement action as appropriate; and
(9) the United States should coordinate these efforts with
key Western and African partners, including through other
financial intelligence units.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to
include extraneous material.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 780. I would like to
recognize Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Bass of the Africa, Global
Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations
Subcommittee for their continued focus on the continuing crisis in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I would like to recognize our
ranking member, Mr. Eliot Engel, as well, because, Mr. Speaker, Congo
is facing a constitutional crisis that is putting lives and regional
stability at risk.
I have been to the Congo on three occasions, most recently last year,
and we have pressed this issue repeatedly, and sadly, Congo, having
historically suffered some of the world's longest and most brutal wars,
is all too familiar with violence. Now, while the Congolese people are
trying to chart a new path for their country, government leaders are
maneuvering to maintain their grip on power in violation of the
country's constitution.
Congo's constitution is very clear--the transfer of power must happen
on December 19 of this year and the President is limited there to two
terms. But President Kabila--in power now for over 15 years--is
stonewalling the election process to get around the constitution.
Allowing this crooked plan to proceed without any consequences would
set a terrible precedent for democracy and governance throughout the
region.
President Kabila has shown that he is willing to carry out this plan
by any means necessary. Anyone who interferes--opposition figures,
human rights leaders, peaceful protesters, civil society, the media--
risks arbitrary arrest, and they risk death. More than 50 people were
killed in a 2-day government crackdown in September.
But throughout, the Congolese people have made it clear that they
want elections--with the vast majority of Congolese opposed to amending
the constitution to allow Mr. Kabila to extend his term. They are
determined to express their will at the ballot box. This resolution
puts the House on record supporting the Congolese people in their
desire for a peaceful political transition.
Mr. Speaker, the House is considering this resolution at a very
crucial time. If no clear plan is established for a peaceful transition
of power in the coming weeks, analysts fear wide scale instability and
violence. We are already seeing that instability today, and that is
threatening to send the international investment that has recently
returned to the country away.
The Obama administration has recognized the severity of this crisis,
establishing an executive order which targets those DRC leaders who
impede the democratic transition with sanctions. This resolution
welcomes those sanctions, but also encourages the administration to
look at other sanctionable offenses like corruption and money
laundering.
The political elites in Congo have long pillaged the country's vast
natural resources for their personal enrichment. Putting that wealth at
risk might make them think twice about also undermining democracy. That
is the kind of leverage that this resolution intends to encourage.
Moreover, the resolution recommends that assistance which is
nonhumanitarian--we want the humanitarian assistance to continue, but
nonhumanitarian assistance could potentially be cut if the Congolese
Government does not change course and does not allow democracy to move
forward. The U.S. needs to use any and all leverage it has to use this
opportunity to push for timely elections in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC, November 15, 2016.
Hon. Ed Royce,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning House
Resolution 780, urging respect for the constitution of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a result of your having consulted with the Committee on
Financial Services concerning provisions in the measure that
fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo action
on the measure so that it may proceed expeditiously to the
House Floor. The Committee on Financial Services takes this
action with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing
consideration of H. Res. 780 at this time, we do not waive
any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or
similar legislation, and that our Committee will be
appropriately consulted and involved as this or a similar
measure moves forward so that we may address any remaining
issues that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction.
Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter
confirming this understanding with respect to H. Res. 780 and
would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this
matter be placed in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration thereof.
Sincerely,
Jeb Hensarling,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC, November 14, 2016.
Hon. Jeb Hensarling,
Chairman, Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Hensarling: Thank you for consulting with the
Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from
further consideration of House Resolution 780, urging respect
for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
so that the measure may proceed expeditiously to the House
floor.
I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure
does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of
your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives
on this resolution or similar legislation in the future.
I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 780 into the
Congressional Record during floor consideration of the
resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this
legislation and look forward to continuing to work together
as this measure moves through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Edward R. Royce,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC, November 15, 2016.
Hon. Edward R. Royce,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Royce: I write with respect to H. Res. 780, a
resolution urging respect for the constitution of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition
of power in 2016, which was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary and the Committee on Financial Services. As a
result of your having consulted with us on provisions within
H. Res. 780 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the
Committee on the Judiciary, I agree to discharge our
committee from further consideration of this resolution so
that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for
consideration.
The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual
understanding that by foregoing consideration of H. Res. 780
at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject
matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our
committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as
this
[[Page H6187]]
resolution or similar legislation moves forward so that we
may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction.
I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming
this understanding with respect to H. Res. 780 and would ask
that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be
included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of H. Res. 780.
Sincerely,
Bob Goodlatte,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC, November 14, 2016.
Hon. Bob Goodlatte,
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you for consulting with the
Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from
further consideration of House Resolution 780, urging respect
for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
so that the measure may proceed expeditiously to the House
floor.
I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure
does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of
your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives
on this resolution or similar legislation in the future.
I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 780 into the
Congressional Record during floor consideration of the
resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this
legislation and look forward to continuing to work together
as this measure moves through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Edward R. Royce,
Chairman.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.
Let me start by thanking our chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, Mr. Royce, for his leadership. I had the good occasion to
travel with him to Congo last year, and we pushed very, very hard on
the fact that we believe democracy needs to be carried out there.
In fact, the President of Congo, who is running for an unprecedented
third term, which he is not supposed to do according to their
Constitution, opted not to see us because he was angry at the fact that
we came to Congo and spoke out so heavily, with one voice I might say,
for democratic reforms. That has been the tradition of the Foreign
Affairs Committee during the time that Chairman Royce has been chairman
and I have been ranking member. We speak with one voice on most things,
and we are more effective that way.
I think that foreign policy, especially, should be bipartisan and
partisanship should stop at the water's edge. So we, personally, the
two of us and the colleagues that came with us on the trip, drove that
message home to the President of Congo. We met with the Prime Minister,
and we didn't mince our words.
So I want to thank Chairman Royce for his leadership. I want to thank
the chair and ranking member of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human
Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, Mr. Smith of New
Jersey, and Ms. Bass of California for her hard work in bringing this
measure to the floor.
As I mentioned before, Mr. Speaker, in recent months, protesters in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo have faced an increasingly violent
crackdown at the hands of armed authorities. These people are
protesting, again, the illegal third-term grab by the President of
Congo. Citizens have been subject to arbitrary arrest, and civil
society groups are finding it harder and harder to operate. In just
over a month, when President Joseph Kabila's term expires, I fear that
this instability will grow even worse.
We want to see democracy thrive and the constitution prevail in the
DRC, but we know forces are hard at work to tear that country's
democracy down. This resolution sends a message that the United States
is watching this situation closely. Those who try to undermine
democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo won't get a free pass
from us.
This measure calls for U.S. sanctions on core government and
opposition officials who hinder democratic processes or stand in the
way of progress toward a peaceful democratic transition. It calls for
sanctions to remain in place until President Kabila declares that he
will abide by the constitution and step down on December 19--until
there is verifiable progress toward holding a free and fair election
and until the opposition and civil society groups are free to operate
without interference.
Lastly, this resolution requests that our government support civil
society groups and the media so that the DRC citizens and the world
have a clear picture of democracy and governance.
I am glad to support this timely resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global
Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, and
author of this resolution.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend
and colleague, the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, Mr. Royce; Ranking Member Eliot Engel; and Ms. Bass, who is
the ranking member on the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights,
and International Organizations Subcommittee, for their strong support
for this legislation, H. Res. 780, which seeks to avoid a looming
crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, by urging
respect for the constitution of that country in a peaceful, democratic
transition of power.
Mr. Speaker, on November 19--just days from now--the DRC was supposed
to hold elections for President and the Parliament. However, after
stalling on election preparations for more than a year, the government
of President Kabila has used a constitutional loophole to extend his
rule despite the opposition of not only political opponents but also
his country's citizens.
In a recent poll done in partnership with the Congo Research Group at
New York University, President Kabila had less than 8 percent support
among his people. U.S. officials believe that he has lost even more
support in the months since that poll was taken.
Mr. Speaker, from 1996 to 2006, more than 3 million people died in
the DRC, more than 4 million were internally displaced as a result of
internal and regional wars, and significant violence persists in
eastern Congo today--a place that I have visited. There are now
widespread fears that opposition to the extension of Kabila's rule will
spark demonstrations that will be met by violence by a government
determined to maintain its hold on power. We are facing the real danger
that the DRC--a nation that borders on nine of its neighbors and which
makes vital contributions to the global economy--could be thrown into a
level of chaos that will have an adverse impact not just within its
borders but far beyond its borders as well.
{time} 1230
President Kabila continues to make every effort to maintain power,
even sending delegations abroad to mislead foreign governments on his
intention to hold elections at the earliest possible date. His
emissaries assured us in September that the scheduled 2016 elections
could be held in the summer of 2017 as a result of national dialogue.
However, Kabila manipulated this dialogue, which was boycotted by the
genuine political opposition, civil society, and DRC's churches. The
eventual conclusion, if this can be believed, was that the elections
would be held in late 2018, about 2 years from now.
However, the constitution, which prevents Kabila from running for a
third term or changing the constitution to achieve that goal, will be
broken if he manages to extend his rule. Even as he interprets the
constitution to allow him to continue in office, the constitution makes
no provision for parliament to continue to operate. So when the current
DRC Government mandate expires on December 19, President Kabila will
rule his country with no restraint and no checks or balances from a
legislative body.
H. Res. 780 acknowledges the various efforts to frustrate DRC's
constitution and democratic process and calls for the Obama
administration to levy targeted sanctions on government officials who
have acted to prevent free and fair elections from taking place.
The administration has placed some sanctions on some officials, but
the pace and scope of sanctions need to match the urgency of the
approaching electoral crisis. The leadership of the Foreign Relations
Committee, the Africa, Global Health, Global Human
[[Page H6188]]
Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, and the full
Foreign Affairs Committee have sent a letter to President Obama urging
him to widen the targets, and we recommended that a couple of weeks
ago.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, time is running out for our government to make
the strongest possible statements to the Kabila government to achieve a
peaceful, democratic resolution to the crisis that they face. I urge my
colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Bass), the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health,
Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee.
Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my colleagues--Mr. Smith, Mr.
Royce, and Mr. Engel--for their leadership on this resolution.
I rise in support of H. Res. 780, urging respect for the constitution
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its democratic transition of
power in 2016.
Simply stated, the resolution calls for the United States' President
to use targeted sanctions to address the blatant disrespect for the
people in the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as
evidenced by the current President of that country, Joseph Kabila. By
supporting this critical resolution, we are helping to support the
constitutional rights of the citizens of the DRC.
This massive and extraordinarily mineral-rich country is home to
approximately 80 million people. Were it not for the consistent absence
of democratic and economic good governance, this beautiful country
would serve more fittingly as the economic center of gravity for sub-
Saharan Africa's Central Africa region, as opposed to being seen at the
center of political impunity, increasing human rights concerns, and
predictable intraregional tensions.
The violence of the last decade has adversely affected not only the
economically dynamic and creative culture of the DRC, but arguably
affected those countries in the immediate region, such as South Sudan,
the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and
Burundi. Despite a long history of authoritarian leadership of
President Mobutu, a regime, unfortunately, that we supported, we know
that the majority of the people of the DRC support a growing and
empowered civil society.
Over the past year, the country's expanding civil society
successfully orchestrated a series of civic actions in support of
constitutionally legislated elections scheduled for this December. For
his part, President Kabila has used the past year to attempt,
systematically, to undermine the persistent efforts of civil society
and opposition parties in support of presidential elections.
While President Kabila's intention is to secure an extension of his
presidential term and delay scheduled elections, the purpose of the
resolution is to help prevent the impunity demonstrated by President
Kabila and some DRC officials. The resolution calls for the President,
working with African and European partners, to use Executive Order
13413, as amended, to deny visas, freeze assets of the implicated
officials, and monitor economic and security assistance for the country
until the election crisis is resolved. H. Res. 780 is a critical piece
of legislation drafted to address a crucial situation in the DRC.
Once again, I thank the subcommittee chairman, Chris Smith, for his
leadership on this issue.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
In closing, the situation simmering right now in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo is such a good example of why the United States
can never retreat from our role on the world stage. This is a situation
that doesn't touch most Americans directly, so why should we be focused
on it, some might wonder. Because anytime and anywhere democracy is
under threat, it makes the world a little less safe, it makes regions a
little less stable, and it makes populations a little more vulnerable.
Standing up for democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo--or
anyplace else, for that matter--isn't just good for the people of that
country, it is good for all of us. It helps advance American values and
American interests. We believe in democracy. And it helps when other
countries practice what they preach.
So when people on the ground are fighting for democracy, demanding
transparency of their leaders, and trying to make their societies more
open and inclusive, we are going to have their backs, and it is what we
should be doing. That is what the U.S. does. That is what our values
demand. That is what it means to be the global standard bearer for
freedom and democracy.
I am glad to support this measure. I again thank Chairman Royce for
his leadership, Mr. Smith, and Ms. Bass. I urge all Members to do the
same.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to thank Representative Smith for introducing this important
measure and for being a longtime champion on African issues.
I again want to thank Mr. Eliot Engel for his forceful communication
when we were in Congo on that issue. Frankly, we have had the
opportunity to talk to Joseph Kabila in the past. He wouldn't meet with
us on this trip, although we were able to meet with the other
representatives of the government, as Mr. Engel has laid out.
But if I could talk to Joseph Kabila, what I would share with him is
that we should not forget that Nelson Mandela made that decision
himself to step down after a single term--after a single term--despite
his immense popularity as President. And far from ending his career,
his decision represented a transition toward continentwide public
service. He became the mediator in African conflicts. He became a
prominent voice on health and other issues.
Mr. Speaker, you have seen this as well.
I think that President Mandela's choice to step down just as much as
his personal struggle, the personal struggle that Nelson Mandela went
through, the combination of those two factors is what allowed him to
continue to exert strong moral and diplomatic influence not only in his
home country, but across Africa and across the world. If Joseph Kabila
would reflect on that by way of example--because, tragically, too many
leaders around this globe have failed to heed the wisdom of Nelson
Mandela and other staged statesmen of different places and different
times, but in this country we go back to George Washington--the result
of heeding that, the result of violating the law in one's country, the
result of clinging on to power when the constitution says no and
canceling elections when the constitution calls for those elections, is
to result in negative consequences not just for the government and the
people, but, frankly, negative consequences for their own standing as
human beings as well.
So there is that possibility for President Kabila to move forward, to
do the right thing. That is what we call upon him to do. That is our
request. It is not too late for President Kabila and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo to change course. This resolution supports those
seeking an orderly transfer of power in this important country on the
African continent.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 780,
``Urging Respect for the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of
Congo in the Democratic Transition of Power in 2016.''
H. Res. 780 encourages the United States Government to impose
sanctions on government officials of the Democratic Republic of Congo
who continue to violate the civil rights of the Congolese people.
The right to free and fair elections is a crucial element of any
democracy.
When the right to vote is curtailed, democracy cannot flourish.
The constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, guarantees to
its citizens the right to vote and the right to choose their leaders in
a free and open election.
The current president of the. DRC, Joseph Kabila, succeeded his
father in 2001, following his assassination.
The highest court in the nation determined that if elections are
delayed then President Kabila could remain in power until elections are
held.
President Kabila's term ends in December, and elections were set for
November.
Unable to constitutionally seek a third term, President Kabila and
his officials are delaying
[[Page H6189]]
elections, citing financial problems, as a way to retain power.
His decision not to hold elections has led to political turmoil,
violence and the death of dozens of people.
Human Rights Watch reported that at least 44 people have died during
political demonstrations.
The Constitution was adopted to avoid the troubling onslaught of
violence occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which, in its
56 years since independence, has never experienced a peaceful
transition of power.
Wherever there is a threat to freedom and democracy, it is the
tradition of the United States to assist, to the furthest possible
extent, freedom loving people in achieving their democratic
aspirations.
President Joseph Kabila and other government officials have violated
the rights of the Congolese people, and the law of the Democratic
Republic of Congo.
For these reasons, I support the sanctions taken by the
Administration to correct these violations, and I support H. Res. 780.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 780, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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