[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  H. RES. 187, RELATING TO EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO THE FAMINE IN SOUTH 
                                 SUDAN

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                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2017

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Congresswoman Bass, for 
bringing forth this critical resolution. I am proud to join my 
colleagues today in support of H. Res. 187, Relating to efforts to 
respond to the famine in South Sudan.
  Mr. Speaker, as many of us know, the famine in South Sudan is one of 
the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. Fighting and violence 
has forced over 3 million people from their homes, driven the South 
Sudanese people into famine, and threatens the country's independence. 
As we approach South Sudan's winter season, communities facing famine 
will become inaccessible to humanitarian groups as roads become 
flooded, proving a dire need for our support and relief.
  Our responsibilities as elected officials extend much farther than 
the boundaries of our districts. It is our congressional responsibility 
to support U.S. Agency for International Development in its efforts to 
provide aid for those facing this devastating crisis and collaborate 
with relief organizations to ensure that families are receiving 
essential resources.
  If we do not act now, we jeopardize the millions of lives, put the 
long term security of South Sudan on the line, and threaten our goal 
for global peace.
  While a resolution and aid alone cannot solve this problem, it can 
save lives. We must continue our bipartisan efforts, and move forward 
to allocate $1 billion in aid to ensure that all people have access to 
fundamental needs.

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