H3724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 23, 2009 freedom and the heroic struggle of the zens and congressional districts we nating this as genocide, and it took a other pro-democracy leaders I spoke to, serve. The vision of the founding mem- lot. But the country, our country, has and about all of Cuba’s political pris- bers of the Congressional Black Cau- in place, as its foreign policy, that oners. cus, to promote the public welfare genocide is taking place in Darfur. But Fidel Castro and his brother, who through legislation designed to meet it is also important to recognize that now has some titles because of the dic- the needs of millions of neglected citi- we haven’t been able to go the next tator’s intestinal illness, constitute zens, continues to be a focal point for step to really help to end the genocide. the historical revenge of the brutal, the legislative work and political ac- The people of Sudan, they have a de- racist European colonialism that the tivities of the Congressional Black sire for a just and lasting peace, but it Cubans fought to overthrow for almost Caucus today. has been crushed repeatedly by one of a century. But they ultimately pre- As Members of Congress, CBC mem- the most brutal regimes in the world. vailed. bers also promote legislation to aid ne- More than 2 million South Sudanese Antunez, Biscet and the other pro-de- glected citizens throughout the world. have died in the 21-year war and have mocracy leaders who continue to fight We understand that the United States, suffered countless atrocities, mostly the Castros’ dyarchy represent today’s as a bellwether, has the ability to posi- committed by the same regime in version of Maceo, Banderas, Moncada tively impact our neighbors abroad. Khartoum. and all the freedom fighters who ulti- Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield to Darfurian children, born at the mately obtained freedom for Cuba. our chairwoman, the Honorable BAR- height of the genocide, are now 6 years Now one of the disgusting realities of BARA LEE. old, and many of them are still in dis- today is that the fight of the unarmed Ms. LEE of California. Thank you placed camps in Darfur or in Eastern Cuban people doesn’t exist for the very much. And let me thank the gen- Chad as refugees. international media and the press, with tlelady for yielding and also for your Fifteen years ago in Rwanda, the very dignified exceptions. Why are the leadership. Once again, thanks to you, international community turned a Cubans non-persons for so much of the we are here talking about the many, blind eye with a million civilians media? Their racial discrimination is many issues which face our country, butchered. Have we really done more in as shameful as it is condemnable. But but also many of the issues which the the case of Darfur, in South Sudan in Antunez, Biscet and the other Cuban Congressional Black Caucus is very in- Abyei and in Nuba? We declared geno- freedom fighters will prevail. They are volved in leading. And oftentimes the cide in 2004, but we haven’t acted deci- the future leaders of free Cuba. public really isn’t aware of these issues sively to stop it. If we had, we could Antunez’s last words to me on Friday and exactly what we are doing. So have saved many, many innocent peo- said it all. ‘‘Tell your colleagues, the thank you again, Congresswoman ple. representative of the American people, MARCIA FUDGE, for your leadership and And I have visited Darfur on three Antunez ni se rinde, ni se va.’’ for staying the course. occasions, and I have just seen the con- ‘‘Antunez neither surrenders, nor As Chair of the CBC, I’m very proud ditions in the camps deteriorate over leaves.’’ to point out that we are privileged to the years. And so, now it is very impor- Some are advocating that the new draw upon the wisdom and expertise of tant, given what has just taken place, administration agree to the expulsion one of our many colleagues on the for the United States to raise its role from Cuba to the U.S. of Biscet, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and elevate our work as it relates to Antunez and other future leaders of Congressman DON PAYNE of New Jer- trying to help the world community Cuba in exchange for some Castro spies sey. Congressman PAYNE I must say is understand that we have got to do the currently in U.S. Federal prisons, serv- more than a member. Of course, he is right thing. We need to support the ing time for conspiring to murder U.S. the Chair of the Africa and Global International Criminal Court in its ef- citizens. That would be a condemnable Health Subcommittee, but he is our forts to hold Sudan President Bashir act that would violate international resident expert on Africa. And Con- accountable for his crimes against hu- law as well as the elemental human gressman PAYNE I always say is a manity, and for the President, and we rights of Cuba’s future leaders. Member of Congress who not only un- support the President, our President, From the floor of the U.S. Congress, derstands what our foreign policy in appointing a Special Envoy for I reiterate my admiration for those should be towards the continent of Af- Sudan. Congressman PAYNE and myself leaders who confront the totalitarian rica, but he also understands that Afri- wrote to President Obama, and we are monster from within Cuba today and ca deserves parity in our overall for- delighted that he has appointed an Am- who will lead free Cuba tomorrow. eign policy and oftentimes is in the bassador or a Special Envoy to be em- f midst of bringing peaceful solutions to powered, and we want him to have the conflicts when others won’t go there in resources to focus on Sudan as a whole AFRICA DESERVES PARITY IN OUR with special attention to the ongoing OVERALL FOREIGN POLICY many, many dangerous and treach- erous situations. He also is on the CBC genocide in Darfur. We want full imple- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under International Affairs Task Force. And I mentation of the CPA and to address the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- just want to commend Congressman the humanitarian crisis because, now uary 6, 2009, the gentlewoman from PAYNE tonight. Thank you for your as General Bashir has expelled the hu- Ohio (Ms. FUDGE) is recognized for 60 sacrifices and for your leadership. manitarian workers, we have an even minutes as the designee of the major- We are also represented on the For- worse crisis emerging on the humani- ity leader. eign Affairs Committee by Congress- tarian front. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, the Con- man GREGORY MEEKS of New York, And so our new Special Envoy is gressional Black Caucus, the CBC, is Congresswoman DIANE WATSON of Cali- Major General Gration. He will be the proud to anchor this hour. Currently fornia, Congresswoman SHEILA JACK- Special Envoy, and he is uniquely the CBC is chaired by the Honorable SON-LEE of Texas and Congressman qualified. Some of us met him in BARBARA LEE from the Ninth Congres- DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Darfur, and we know that he is very sional District of California. My name I would like to briefly talk tonight qualified to undertake these critically is Congresswoman MARCIA FUDGE, and I about Darfur and Sudan. I mentioned important efforts. As the President represent the 11th Congressional Dis- Mr. PAYNE earlier, and let me just say said, and I quote, he said that ‘‘he trict of Ohio. that he was the lone voice in the wil- knows the region, he has broad experi- CBC members are advocates for fami- derness for many years saying that we ence and has my complete confidence.’’ lies nationally and internationally. We should declare that genocide is taking Let me also say that we have to work have played a significant role as local place in Darfur, because that is exactly very closely with the Special Envoy. and regional activists. We continue to what did take place. And again, we want the Special Envoy work diligently to be the conscience of to have a team of people with the re- the Congress. But understanding that b 2000 sources to be able to do this job so he all politics are local, we provide dedi- He finally brought bipartisan con- can bring peace to the long-suffering cated and focused service to the citi- sensus to that, the policy of desig- people of the Sudan.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 23, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3725 Also, in conclusion, let me just high- threatened during the Liberian civil Ms. Richards and her son, the 5-year- light the fact that the CBC has led for war. Janvier has spent 18 years in old born at Holy Cross Hospital in Sil- many, many years in developing our America, a generation, a lifetime in ver Spring, others like her who have global HIV/AIDS initiatives and the America. And yet, today, Janvier Rich- come to this country and started new U.S. response to that. ards, and her family, after they were productive lives, have done nothing to We were instrumental, last year in granted Temporary Protected Status deserve deportation. And they came taking—and can you believe this, Con- by the United States because of the po- here under the spirit in which we have gresswoman FUDGE, Nelson Mandela litical turmoil and atrocities being granted asylum status to millions and the ANC was on the terrorist committed in Liberia, have now built a around the world for the generations of watch list until last December. So we home here in these United States for 18 this country. were able to get him off of the terrorist years. And I, therefore, ask President watch list before his 90th birthday. But in 2007, President Bush effec- Obama to stand with Janvier Richards We have established June as Carib- tively ended Temporary Protected Sta- and other Liberians like her and re- bean American Heritage Month, hon- tus for Liberians by signing a memo- verse the current executive order. oring those of Caribbean descent who randum authorizing Deferred Enforced I thank you, gentlelady, and I yield have contributed immensely to this Departure. back. great country. What does that mean? Ms. FUDGE. I want to thank my col- We are working now on the Shirley That means that President Bush or- league for her very moving remarks Chisholm Caribbean Education Ex- dered all Liberians who had been grant- and because she is here and even change Program, and trying to make ed TPS, temporary protected status, to though she doesn’t feel well, because it sure that our country, Haiti, the poor- leave the United States by March 31, is such a very important issue. So I est country in this hemisphere, re- 2009. want to thank her. ceives the type of attention and re- Now, to be sure, Liberians have made Mr. Speaker, I would now yield to the sources it deserves to help stabilize the tremendous progress, back on the road gentlelady from Wisconsin (Ms. MOORE). country. Hurricanes, natural disasters, to democracy under the able leadership Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Well, poverty, health care needs are badly of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. But thank you so much, Congresswoman needed in Haiti, and the CBC has been today, the question before us and the FUDGE, for sponsoring this hour. I justice challenge is really about those working very hard to try to help sta- think it is extremely important to edu- who came to this country, like Janvier, bilize that country. cate our constituencies to a greater ex- I won’t go on and on now, but I just from Liberia, started families and busi- tent than we are somehow able to do in nesses, worked hard, paid taxes. Their wanted to thank Congresswoman 1 minute or even in the heat of a de- children are now United States citizens FUDGE because the CBC, again, is con- bate. tinuing to be the conscience of the and grew up in America. Mr. Speaker, I am so delighted again Congress, not only in our domestic pol- Janvier Richards wrote me a letter to join these distinguished colleagues, icy, but in our foreign policy, and each saying: ‘‘I am being told to return the Chair of this special hour, Con- home to a country that has no place and every Member understands that we gresswoman FUDGE, as well as our have to think globally and act locally, for me. I have a 5-year-old son born at Dean, I guess, of foreign affairs in the and we try to work strategically on Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Congressional Black Caucus, Congress- both the home front and the inter- Maryland, and should be starting man PAYNE. And certainly, I would like national front. school this fall as a new kindergarten to associate myself with the comments Thank you very much, Congress- student. I have been working and pay- of our dear Representative from Mary- woman FUDGE. ing taxes since I was 16, and I am happy land. I would like to associate myself Ms. FUDGE. Thank you. Mr. Speak- contribute to American society by all with her remarks because I also want er, I would very much like to thank means. This has been my home for 18 to talk about Liberia, but I want to our Chair for her leadership, for her vi- years,’’ Janvier writes. talk about it from the perspective of sion, and certainly for her support of Richard has followed the proper pro- protecting the investments that we this special hour for the CBC. cedures to become a U.S. citizen. She have made in Liberia. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to fled here to the United States with her Liberia’s relationship to the United yield to the gentlelady from Maryland father, who was a U.S. citizen, who States is certainly longstanding. Libe- (Ms. EDWARDS). filed for citizenship on her behalf. But ria was settled in the early 1800s by Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I thank since he passed away in 2002, immigra- freeborn Blacks and former slaves from the gentlelady for yielding. tion officials have continuously ig- the United States of America. These From the beginning, our great Na- nored Janvier Richard’s inquiry about settlers used the Constitution of the tion has been generous, and it has been the status of her application, and now United States as the model for their a safe harbor for immigrants, providing she faces deportation. new government. They designed a flag asylum to individuals fleeing political This is not about people wanting to with red and white stripes with a single turmoil and humanitarian crisis. But take advantage of the United States or white star. And, of course, in 1824, the that philosophy has been challenged use Social Services. Janvier has been settlement was named Monrovia, after very seriously, forcing people who have working and paying taxes since she was the American President James Monroe, resided lawfully in the United States 18 years old and has never received gov- and Monrovia remains the capital of for over 15 years to return to their ernment assistance. the modern-day Liberia. country of origin that is no longer This Congress and this administra- I can tell you that, unfortunately, their home. tion must work to allow Liberians like because of arbitrary rule, economic And so today, I rise to urge President Richards and her family to remain law- collapse, corrupt governments, Liberia Obama to reverse former President fully in this country as contributors, fell into two devastating civil wars in Bush’s executive order forcing Liberian as taxpayers, and as citizens. We need the span of a little more than a decade, refugees back to their country. I ask to support these families that have be- as well as a legacy of a ruthless and the President to extend lawful status come integral parts of our commu- reckless leader in Charles Taylor, who to these persons who have been law- nities. nearly destroyed the country, created abiding and tax paying citizens for In closing her letter, Janvier Rich- regional instability, drawing in Sierra years. These are people who have built ards writes, and I quote, ‘‘Immigrants Leone, another country, and really cre- lives in this country, who have chil- started this country. Immigrants are ating an insecure situation. The most dren who are U.S. citizens, and who do needed in this country. It shouldn’t egregious of those things, in my mind, not want to tear their families apart. take up to 10 to 15 years before some- Congresswoman FUDGE, was the en- Families like Janvier Richard, who one can get their green card or citizen- gagement of child warriors, children lives in my congressional district in ship papers. We are working,’’ she con- warriors in this fight. Maryland. She fled Liberia for America tinues to write, ‘‘we are helping the During that fighting, Liberians suf- in 1991 after she and her family were country succeed. We are needed.’’ fered immensely. Over a quarter of a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 23, 2009 million lives were lost, and more than lingering cultural and social effects In closing, I just want to commend half of all of Liberia’s 3.5 million peo- from the legacy of war, and again, the President Obama for his welcomed ple were driven from their homes, in- haunting eyes of those child soldiers step. He shares the strong belief that cluding those who found safe haven in who have got to be reintegrated into there is a beautiful democracy budding our country to escape the violence. society after experiencing or commit- in Liberia, and I congratulate Presi- I have visited Liberia a couple of ting serious crimes. Seventy-six per- dent Obama for his strong expression of times and heard some of the stories of cent of Liberians in 2006 lived on less support for our Liberia. The good thing people, women who were crossing the than $1 per day. Fifty-two percent live about it is that this Nation is just rich roads, pregnant and found themselves on less than 50 cents per day. One hun- with natural resources and that we now killed on the road right there for their dred fifty-seven infants per 1,000 die be- have a leader with credibility in Presi- food. I saw, looked into the vacant eyes fore their first birthdays. Over 1,000 dent Johnson-Sirleaf. She is so decent of some of the child combatants that mothers die per 100,000 live births. as well as being brilliant. This can help they are trying to rehabilitate in the Most Liberians do not have access to create tremendous wealth for its peo- country. safe drinking water. I was there in Li- ple. It now has this capable leader for And so I was really pleased when beria, and I had a bottle of water. Kids its vision, and the diamonds and min- late, late last week, our President, came up to me, fighting over the bottle erals and its port can all lead to great Barack Obama, given all of the chal- of water, and I was very reluctant to prosperity, and we should be proud to lenges that he has, stopped to allow Li- give these children a bottle of water be their great friend. berians, who took refuge in our coun- that I had drank from. Someone said to With that, I yield back my time to try from the civil war in their home me, ‘‘Ma’am, that is the cleanest water you. Thank you again for your stew- nation to receive deferred enforced de- that they will ever have, perhaps, in ardship over this hour. parture protection for 12 more months. their entire lives that is in that bot- Ms. FUDGE. Thank you very much. The President’s recent order is so im- tle.’’ These are the conditions that Mr. Speaker, I would very much like portant because Liberians who have they are living under. Electricity is to thank my friend and colleague, the been granted either this temporary sporadically available. The list goes on gentlelady from Wisconsin, for her pas- protected status, TPS, or deferred en- and on and on, and this is only an hour sion and for her insight. forcement departure, DED, are allowed that we have here, Madam Chair. At this time, I would now like to to remain in the U.S. rather than be One tool that the President does yield to the gentleman from New Jer- forced to return to a country in the have, though, is the economic support sey who, indeed, is the dean of the CBC midst of war. flowing into her country from Libe- as it relates to matters of Foreign Af- And let us not think for one moment, rians here in our country, some be- fairs, especially those in Africa. Congresswoman FUDGE, that this coun- cause of the special protections grant- Mr. PAYNE. try is not still at war. And they are ed to them by TPS and DED. With the Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much, still at war because, despite the sage Liberian economy struggling and a Representative FUDGE. Let me com- leadership of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, she global economic recession not making mend you for taking the leadership for is taking tremendous steps to over- things any easier, money being sent to this hour on behalf of the Congres- come the ravages of war. She is basi- a country from relatives living in the sional Black Caucus. We certainly have cally having to start from scratch from U.S. is a veritable lifeline. appreciated your experience as a the destruction that was caused by According to the Liberian govern- former mayor and as a person involved these two wars. She is been busy trying ment, remittances from the U.S. to- in politics in the State of Ohio and how to rebuild the nation’s education and taled $60 million in 2007, providing es- you have come in, not as a trainee, but health care system, oversee the de- sential support. According to the Inter- fully running. We know of the un- activization and reintegration of the national Monetary Fund, Liberia’s two timely death of your predecessor, Rep- old security forces and ex-combatants. civil wars have reduced Liberia’s real resentative Stephanie Tubbs Jones, but I mean, they need a new police service. gross domestic product to about 40 per- we certainly appreciate your taking up Who do you trust and who don’t you cent of its prewar level between 1989 the mantle and moving forward. trust? and 2003. There is no magic wand avail- I would just like to speak briefly on able to President Johnson-Sirleaf to re- several of the countries that we have 2015 b store 60 percent of GDP overnight. mentioned. And this is a very excruciating proc- Again, it would be extremely egregious We have just heard the gentlelady ess which the United States, of course, for us to return citizens to that coun- from Wisconsin talk about Haiti, and I thank God, is helping them to do. try without the prerequisite infrastruc- might just mention briefly that Haiti They have got to decommission these ture. She has also, I hope, the steadfast has had a long and difficult history, ex-combatants and help restore its support of this Congress and of this ad- highlighted by prolonged poverty, po- shattered economy in the midst of the ministration to Liberia and its people. litical instability and underdevelop- worst global recession in decades. Be- A couple of years ago, she was right ment, resulting in a politically fragile cause of the extensive damage done by here in this Chamber, and addressed a state with the lowest standards of liv- Charles Taylor and the conflict, things joint session of Congress, an honor ing in the entire western hemisphere. that we take for granted, such as roads, thrust upon this inspiring leader be- With the assistance of the United Na- police to protect residents, courts to cause of the historic connection and tions Stabilization Mission in Haiti convict criminals, a basic economy, special relationship between our two and large amounts of international aid, and confidence people have in its gov- countries. In that address, she said, Haiti has been attempting to establish ernment have all got to be rebuilt. This ‘‘The Liberian people are counting on a foundation for longer economic de- is not a time to send President Ellen me and my administration to create velopment. Security issues have pre- Johnson-Sirleaf another whole slew of the conditions that will guarantee the sented the primary risk to stability people to provide educational opportu- realization of their dreams. We must while restoring economic growth, in- nities for jobs. It is shocking to go to not betray their trust. All the children vestment, employment, and access to Liberia. It is the poorest day I have I meet, when I ask what they want basic services have been the major and ever had in my life, Congresswoman most, say, ‘I want to learn.’ ‘I want to equally formidable challenges to sus- FUDGE. I have never lived in a commu- go to school.’ ‘I want an education.’ We tainable development. nity that did not have a library, and I must not betray their trust.’’ President Preval, since assuming his went to Liberia, a place where they do The transition from conflict to peace second nonconsecutive term in office in not even have a library in major parts is never quick nor easy. Madam Chair, May of 2006, has emphasized the impor- of Liberia. I am afraid for the future of Liberia if tance of rebuilding democracy, rebuild- The challenges are many. Again, we do not provide them with adequate ing Democratic institutions and of es- they lack health care, education; they support. I am going to amend my re- tablishing conditions for private in- suffer from an unemployment rate of 80 marks and submit them for the vestment, which is key to the develop- percent—yes, eight-zero—80 percent, RECORD. ment of any country to create jobs.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 23, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3727 The success of his government will de- they did it anyway. As a result, erosion displaced, two million people have pend largely on its ability to improve started. This was one of the areas that, died. security and social economics. with the natural habitat taken down And 21 days after Dr. Garang was The condition in the country: 76 per- and the foreign intervention of other able to get the comprehensive peace cent of the population lives on less plants, Haiti’s erosion also began. accord signed, his plane mysteriously than $2 a day. These are conditions So I just would like to say that we crashed and Dr. Garang was killed that make it very difficult. Security need to take a look at the status of I immediately went there and par- conditions have improved, but Haitians Haitians in America. We need to ticipated in the mourning and attended have seen their already substandard change that situation so that people the funeral of him. His wife and chil- living conditions deteriorate further who have come to this country will dren—Rebecca, his wife, is very strong with the rise in global food prices and definitely have an opportunity to be- and continues to move forward on the in the recent devastation by a series of come full-fledged citizens of our coun- question of South Sudan, the com- hurricanes. try. prehensive peace agreement must be When people say, ‘‘Why Haiti? Why Let me just quickly talk about the upheld and Darfur, the International should we be concerned?’’ number 1, Liberians who we have heard about, an- Criminal Court, should go forward with they are very close to our shores. Num- other country. We just heard our pre- the prosecution of al-Bashir. He has ber 2, there has been a history of vious speaker talk about the fact that put out 13 nongovernmental organiza- United States’ involvement in Haiti. there was Deferred Enforcement Depar- tions who are feeding people and are As a matter of fact, in the Battle of Sa- ture status which expired on March 31 bringing in food and so forth. This vannah, when we fought for independ- of 2009 for Liberians as a result of the must not stand, and he must be ence of the United States of America war with Charles Taylor. People got stopped. from Britain, Haiti sent soldiers over TPS, Temporary Protective Status, We could talk about the Congo, but I to fight in the Battle of Savannah. As from Liberia. Then when that ran out, will yield back the balance of the time a matter of fact, recently—and I vis- they had the Deferred Enforcement De- so our chairperson of tonight’s special ited last year—the statue that has been parture, and we have gotten word that order may be able to conclude in any dedicated to Haitian soldiers who we believe that Liberians will be able manner that she sees fit. But let me fought for the independence of the to have a 1-year extension of the DED, once again thank you for taking this United States’ 13 original colonies from words that I received from Presi- hour, and we still have much to do. The away from Great Britain. dent Obama’s office. CBC, the conscience of the Congress, Also, as we know, Haiti became the Let me just say that, once again, in will continue to move forward, not first revolt of enslaved people to defeat 1820, $100,000 was funded by the U.S. only domestically, but internationally. the colonists, and that sent a message Congress that went to help start Libe- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would throughout Central and South Amer- ria. As you know, Monrovia was named very much again like to thank our ica. As you know, Haiti in 1804 defeated after President Monroe, and many free teacher, our dean, our resident expert the forces of the great Napoleon’s black men and women went to Haiti. for his remarks this evening. army, and as a result of this 12-year As a matter of fact, there was an inte- And now, Mr. Speaker, I would yield war between France and Haiti, France grated group of blacks and whites that myself as much time as I may con- was defeated. There is great wealth went back originally, but the whites sume. that France would get from Haiti, all died, and were unable to survive. Mr. Speaker, the United States is a which actually was more than all the Only the blacks survived. leader in advocating for human rights 13 colonies of the United States pro- and humanitarian assistance. These vided for Britain. The one portion of b 2030 ideals are embodied in the desire to as- the island of Espan˜ ol, of which Haiti is And so we have had a long relation- sist and guide others that have lost half of it and the other half is the Do- ship with Haiti and with Liberia, and hope. minican Republic, gave more wealth to we should, certainly, with the 3,600 At the United Nations World Summit France. So, when France lost Haiti, it people who are in the DED current sta- in 2005, 191 members of the UN ex- lost economics, and as a result, the tus, I hope that within the next year— pressed support for the idea of a re- Louisiana Purchase came about. and there will be a rally on Wednesday sponsibility to protect. This responsi- As you may know, at that time, the at 1:30 here at the west terrace at the bility to protect proclaims that mass United States was landlocked. The Capitol that will allow Liberian leaders atrocities that occur in one country United States only went to the Mis- to come and show their appreciation are the concern of all countries. This sissippi River, and it was the land that for the extension, and we urge anyone echoes the great Dr. Martin Luther was owned by France. Because France who is free on Wednesday of this week King, Jr.’s, declaration that injustice after the long war with Haiti needed at 1:30 to come and participate in the anywhere is a threat to justice every- cash—it was land rich and cash poor— rally. where. it sold the Louisiana Territory for, I Finally, we’ve heard about Darfur. I With Dr. King’s words in our hearts, think, about $15 million and, therefore, was pleased that we were able to get I rise today to speak about the grave opened up the West. The Lewis and the genocide resolution through, but I tragedies affecting individuals in Clark expedition started in St. Louis as did expect more to happen from the Darfur and the temporary protective a result of the purchase of the Lou- world, and I have been disappointed. status, better known as TPS, for indi- isiana Territory. So Haiti has had a I went to eastern Chad, and I spoke viduals from Liberia and Haiti. tremendous impact on the United to an elderly woman who talked about I begin with the humanitarian emer- States of America. what happened in her town: a pregnant gency that is taking place in Darfur. Finally, about Haiti, part of the ero- woman was bayonetted there, a neigh- The history of the information in the sion which we see was spurred along in bor was shot. Even in huts they would Darfur region of Sudan is long and World War II. With the U.S. being cut lock, tie the door together and burn complicated. Sudan has been embroiled off from the Pacific region, there was a the huts and the boys would be burned in a civil war for decades. The conflict need for rubber to be grown and pro- to death, all of this by al-Bashir, the took a turn for the worst in 2003 when duced. There was a Haitian grower who president who has been indicted by the the Sudanese government mobilized said that it was going to be impossible International Criminal Court and militias known as Janjaweeds to at- for rubber trees to grow in Haiti. How- should stand for trial. tack opposition groups. The militia has ever, the Haitian leadership wanted to As has been mentioned, there’s been brutalized the people of Darfur with help in the war effort and wanted to a long, north-south battle between the murder, rape, torture, and pillage. placate President Roosevelt, and so NIF government, the National Islamic They have burned down entire villages they cut down natural kinds of ecol- Front, and the SPLA, the Sudanese forcing people to flee their homes and ogy, and tried to introduce rubber Freedom—South Sudanese Liberation their livelihoods. Entire portions of the trees, which would not grow, which was Movement, the late Dr. Garang, for 21 region are now ruled by roving bands of already known by Haitian farmers, but years. Four million people have been armed gunmen.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 23, 2009 Since 2003, 300,000 Darfuris have died back into Sudan. The people of Darfur were moved by his passion and his val- as a result of a conflict, and approxi- have suffered enough. To compound ues, the Prime Minister of Great Brit- mately 2.7 million have been forced their anguish at this critical time is ain. And I am told that he is as elo- from their homes. unconscionable. quent and as energized before his own The conflict in Darfur is also having I applaud President Obama’s appoint- Parliament and in international meet- a devastating effect on its western ment of a special envoy to Sudan. ings as he was with us in the joint ses- neighbor, Chad. Nearly 200,000 refugees President Obama named retired Air sion. from Sudan have joined the 90,000 per- Force General Scott Gration last week And we are very blessed, if you will, sons displaced by the civil war in Chad. as a special envoy to Sudan, choosing a by having an administration that has To further complicate matters, both close adviser with broad experience in the cultural nexus and the heart and Chad and Sudan have accused each the region. The President has indicated the intellect to be concerned about other of supporting rebellions in their that the conflict in Darfur is a priority these issues. President Obama has been countries. Last week, however, the sit- for his administration. The CBC is en- received overwhelmingly, his election, uation in Darfur took a grave turn for couraged by the administration’s on the continent. I think we are poised the worse. stance, and we look forward to working to be of a gigantic opportunity to do Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir, with the President and the Special what Prime Minister Brown has expelled 13 nongovernmental organiza- Envoy Gration. charged us to do: Don’t forget the im- tions, or NGOs, and 6,500 aid workers At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would poverished. Don’t forget the journey we from the country. This was in direct like to yield to my colleague from the were on trying to address the question retaliation for Bashir’s indictment on State of Texas, the gentlewoman from of poverty. And that was a big issue as war crimes and crimes against human- the State of Texas, Ms. SHEILA JACK- it relates to Africa. ity by the International Criminal SON-LEE. Now, of course, the economy has Court, better known as the ICC, on Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would come and there may be donor nations March 4, 2009. Bashir’s unsubstantiated like to thank the gentlelady from Ohio, who have made pledges who have not accusation that the NGOs were cooper- first of all, for her leadership in helping completed their pledges, but Africa ating with the ICC investigation only to share with our colleagues hour after still has the same concerns and there- heightens the urgency and necessity hour enormously important issues fac- fore, it will be very important to hear for an international response. ing not only the United States but fac- from these ambassadors on the issues The civilian population is composed ing the world. And I join her this that we’re talking about, which I ex- of two million people who are spread evening. pect to talk about here tonight. out among 200 refugee camps in Darfur, And I was very appreciative of join- For example, our esteemed president and in 12 refugee camps in eastern ing with my chairperson of the Con- of Liberia who came out of the World Chad. The UN estimates that 40 per- gressional Black Caucus, who I just Bank and who has a great respect of cent of Darfuris depend on outside as- saw at another meeting who was able not only women of this country, but certainly of our administration and our sistance for their survival. This expul- to be here, Congressman BARBARA LEE. sion of humanitarian groups, such as I want to thank her for her leadership. past administration. She came to Libe- Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders, The chairperson of my Subcommittee ria after Charles Taylor in a country that was void of infrastructure, void of will adversely affect millions of civil- on Africa and Global Health, Chairman water, void of—when I say ‘‘water re- ians who rely on NGOs for their most DONALD PAYNE, who speaks volumes sources,’’ infrastructure that would basic food and medical needs. Who will about Africa, and as well, chairs the have clean running water; void of infra- continue to provide these urgent serv- Foreign Affairs Task Force, of which I structure that would have utilities or ices, Mr. Speaker? am a member of the Congressional The Sudanese government has clear- Black Caucus; and one of our great any mode of, if you will, phone, utility service; void of operating school sys- ly demonstrated that it is unwilling or leaders as well, Congresswoman GWEN tems. So we know that she has made unable to assist its citizens throughout MOORE. I know there were probably great strides, and I have details here. this very conflict. The expulsion of the others that were here, and I did not get But at the same time, we are well NGOs is only the most recent act that a chance to see them on the floor. But aware that she needs more resources. endangers millions of lives. This is why I do want to acknowledge that this is We have to have this on the agenda. We the international community must an important hour for us. And I am have to be able to partnership with the unite and forcefully declare that Su- pleased to be able to join my colleague. African Union, for example, strengthen Let me just suggest that there are dan’s government not hold its citizens it as the African Union attempts to de- hostage. many ways that we can look at Libe- velop its own mission and mandate on Last week, I and nearly 80 Members ria, Haiti, and Sudan. And it is my in- how it addresses the issue of conflict. of this Congress sent letters to the Sec- tent because I think we have talents So I think if I said anything about retary General of the League of Arab here in the United States, Representa- Liberia, there are certainly two major States, the chairman of the African tives of African nations, that, frankly, points: one, the Liberian Americans, Union and the President of China urg- we don’t get a chance to interact with but Liberia and the new president, Mrs. ing them to insist that the government as much as we would like. And I am Johnson, is someone who has the, if of Sudan allow humanitarian organiza- going to accept the challenge given to you will, the monetary knowledge be- tions to re-enter the country. me to host a meeting of African ambas- cause of her experience here in the President Bashir must separate the sadors that our colleagues will have a United States and her training in some ICC action from the charity relief ef- chance to sit down with and hear their of the financial structures of our coun- forts of relief groups. The expulsion story, their insight certainly on the try, but, also, the will to do it. violates international humanitarian issues that we’re now raising, particu- law and damages efforts to resolve the larly Liberia and Sudan—obviously b 2045 conflict. Without the NGOs, more than Haiti is in the Caribbean, and I will We must not forget Liberia in its one million Darfuris will be left vulner- speak to that issue. journey toward economic independ- able to disease and starvation. These But let me tell you why I want to ence, but it is a microcosm of the needs are civilians, Mr. Speaker. They are offer that suggestion. And the reason is of the continent. caught in the cross hairs of a conflict because I sat down with one of our dis- I also want to thank the administra- they did not begin and they have no tinguished ambassadors last week who tion, President Obama, for heeding the power to end. mentioned that with all of the meet- cry of many Members who wrote a let- By sacrificing his people for political ings on the economy, the worldwide ter about Liberian Americans. I’m told gain, President Bashir has shown a call crisis in the economy, interestingly by our chairperson, Chairperson as disregard for human life that the enough, the Continent of Africa is not PAYNE, Liberian Americans will be international community cannot ig- on the agenda. here in the Congress or on the West nore. President Bashir must reverse We heard an eloquent speech by steps to highlight their plight of con- the expulsion order and allow NGOs Prime Minister Brown, and all of us tinued TPS status, deferred, if you

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 23, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3729 will, deportation that has been going of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and and any immigration bill that I have on and on and on. I count on that foreign policy team, any hands on, it will be part of that We have got to solve that. That is along with the envoy that our Presi- bill. something we can look to as we reform dent has just selected, Major Scott And so I think it is extremely impor- immigration. Many times when we dis- Gration, that adds to the team that tant, Mr. Speaker, that we look at cuss immigration, people start think- can now focus on Sudan but also focus these issues and be assured that we ing it’s not their problem, it’s a global on the continent of Africa. work on behalf of all of these people. It problem, it’s a problem that faces I join in denouncing the treatment of is our commitment to make their lives many different ethnic groups. And we our, if you will, NGOs. Just about a better by our statements here today on all need to come together as a family year or so ago, we lost a valiant State the floor, but also our collaboration to and fix it so people can be here legally; Department employee that was killed continue to work on the issues that im- they can pay taxes; they can, in es- in Sudan, and I frankly have never got- pact people’s lives and as well the qual- sence, be separated from those who ten over it, and I offer my deepest re- ity of life. We need to save lives and we want to do them harm. spect and sympathy to his family. It certainly need to save them. So I want to put Liberia in the eye of was a horrific act. I just want to put on the record that the storm as it relates to the economy, And so it is important that we put I am working with a Haitian teacher and the challenge that the ambassador our foot down on the atrocities that who has suffered so much. She teaches gave me was why don’t you consult has occurred in Sudan, and people math. She’s well-respected. She had a with us who are here and let us tell you should understand, people are in Darfur court order that said she was not going the economic impact on the continent, because they have been moved off of to be deported. It’s a long story, but I what we need to be involved. their land. You can’t help to rebuild simply want to let the Haitians in The second is, of course, Sudan and I this area, irrigate it, give people—these Houston know we have not forgotten might have been one of the last are farming people. Don’t tell them, her, and we want her to stay united CODELs, congressional delegations, of well, just go to the city and get an- with her family. three that were able to actually get other life, get a life. These people have Thank you very much for your lead- into Darfur, into the camps. And I had lived on their land, and they have both- ership. spent time in Chad as well some years ered no one. They’ve raised their fami- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support back before I was able to get into lies, and now they’re being literally of Sudan, Liberia and Haiti. These are three of Darfur. I’ve been denied—it’s a very torn apart. the most troubled nations in the world, des- long story of how long it took, and I Southern Sudan, that tried to get on perately in need of support from other nations, frankly didn’t know whether I’d get in its feet, that has a lot of oil, it’s still including the United States. the time that I went since we were in conflict between the Khartoum gov- SUDAN AND DARFUR among those who got arrested in front ernment and Sudan. Southern Sudan, I am pleased that President Obama has ap- of the Sudanese embassy. who has all the oil and cannot seem to pointed a Special Envoy to Sudan. Major Gen- But we went into those camps, and get an agreement, to my current eral Scott Gration is both a humanitarian and the key thing that I want to say to the knowledge—and I may have need of a professional soldier. He has proudly served distinguished gentlelady is how valu- some additional update to my current our country but more importantly brings to this able the NGOs were. They were lit- knowledge—has not been able to solve position the experience and gravitas nec- erally the lifeline of the camps. They the distribution of the oil moneys, and essary to lead our mission. were a lifeline of the children. They so they’re suffering. This is an imme- The United States has for most of our his- were the lifeline of the women. And the diate crisis that needs to be fixed. tory been a leader among nations in attempt- women were the anchor of the camps As it relates to Haiti, let me again ing to help foment democracy and bring peace because any man that would venture mention the work of the Congressional to warring parties in regions throughout the out to try to be a supportive family Black Caucus. We have been working world. member, to provide income, would be on Haiti for, I don’t know, as long as Sudan’s western region of Darfur has been killed by the janjaweed, or whatever I’ve been here, but we have had won- embroiled in violent conflict since 2003, which the conflicts, they were targets. And derful conversations with President has brought a weighty death toll and displaced so, mostly, it would be the women. Preval who is a committed and dedi- over 2 million people. Just recently, Darfur Tragically, the women would be raped, cated leader, who is looking for funding rebels killed 200 people near the capitol city of and so things are not well. for infrastructure, funding, if you will, Khartoum. With violence continuing to worsen And the complete disregard that the to rebuild after the terrible onslaught in the region, I call on the international com- leadership of Sudan, the President of of hurricanes that they had in the last munity to renew it’s commitment to finding a Sudan, has for the indictment, for the year, 2008. He is looking to work with solution to the conflict in Darfur. world family, there is no respect there. us and the Congressional Black Caucus In 2007, I had the chance to lead a Con- And we have a challenge, and we have in the appropriations process, and gressional Delegation to the region of Darfur got to be able to match the will of this we’re looking to work with him. to see the first hand devastation that has country and our foreign policy, our be- Haiti is a wonderful ally of the swept through the region. lief in democracy, our belief in the se- United States. We can never pay them As Chair of the Congressional Children’s curity of children and family and the for the blood that they shed standing Caucus, I am very concerned about the dis- ability to live on your land without alongside us in the Revolutionary War, placed children who suffer due to the lack of threat and danger and murder and pil- and their victory was our victory. Our nutrition and access to clean water. Addition- lage, we’ve got to the match that with victory was their victory, and they’re ally, child mortality remains a significant prob- the will of the countries on the con- hardworking people. You can see that lem throughout the region. I am also con- tinent, the African countries, the heads here in the United States, and you can cerned that the global food crisis could exac- of States. see that obviously in Haiti. erbate the conflict, placing more children at This is a new day now. This is in es- And so what I think, as I close, that risk. sence an America that has a com- you selected hot spots that symbolize We, as a Global community, must unite to monality, that people are not only in- the need for us to be engaged, and as I address this issue. Let us not let race, reli- terested and are sacrificing on behalf of said, finally with respect to immigra- gious ties, or bureaucratic systems hinder us Sudan and the crisis there, but like- tion, Haiti, too, so many distraught from fight for the people of Darfur. As a mem- wise, we have an administration that cases of Haitians treated unfairly in ber of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I accounts Susan Rice, who is the U.N. the United States because they don’t will continue to work towards a solution for the envoy who I worked with on the crisis have the parity that happens when Cu- ongoing conflict in Darfur. We must remain between Ethiopa and Eritrea. She is a bans are fleeing persecution as is de- steadfast to gaining peace in the region. committed and knowledgeable person fined. Haitians have been fleeing perse- Darfur has been embroiled in a deadly con- about the world but particularly about cution, economic persecution, political flict for over four years. During that time, at Africa, and I count on her wisdom. I persecution, who are here and cannot least 400,000 people have been killed; more count on the wisdom of the Secretary return back. I want them to get parity, than 2 million innocent civilians have been

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 23, 2009 forced to flee their homes and now live in dis- under-funded and overwhelmed African Union vided that granting TPS is consistent with U.S. placed-persons camps in Sudan or in refugee monitoring mission must be bolstered. And national interests. camps in neighboring Chad. governments and international institutions The Secretary of Homeland Security in con- And more than 3.5 million men, women, and must provide and ensure access to sufficient sultation with the Secretary of State, can issue children are completely reliant on international humanitarian aid for those in need. TPS for periods of 6 to 18 months and can ex- aid for survival. Not since the Rwandan geno- The Darfur Accountability and Divestment tend these periods if conditions do not change cide of 1994 has the world seen such a cal- Act of 2006, H.R. 180, sponsored by my col- in the designated country. To obtain TPS, eli- culated campaign of displacement, starvation, league BARBARA LEE would require: The Secu- gible aliens report to U.S. Citizenship and Im- rape, and mass slaughter. rities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Divi- migrant Services (USCIS) in the Department Since early 2003, Sudanese armed forces sion of Corporate Finance and the U.S. Treas- of Homeland Security (DHS), pay a proc- and Sudanese government-backed militia ury to require all companies listing securities essing fee, and receive registration documents known as ‘‘Janjaweed’’ have been fighting two on United States capital markets, either di- and a work authorization. The major require- rebel groups in Darfur, the Sudanese Libera- rectly or through a parent or subsidiary com- ments for aliens seeking TPS are proof of eli- tion Army/Movement (SLA/SLM) and the Jus- pany, including partly-owned subsidiaries, hav- gibility. The regulation specifies grounds of in- tice and Equality Movement (JEM). ing business operations in a country with a admissibility that cannot be waived, including The stated political aim of the rebels has genocide declared by the Department of State those relating to criminal convictions and the been to compel the government of Sudan to or Congress, to disclose the nature of their persecution of others. address underdevelopment and the political business operations. The United States currently provides TPS or marginalization of the region. In response, the The United States Government (federal) to deferred enforced departure (DED) to over Sudanese government’s regular armed forces prohibit contracts with multi-national business 300,000 foreign nationals from a total of seven and the Janjaweed—largely composed of enterprises if: They maintain business relation- countries: Burundi, El Salvador, Honduras, Li- fighters of Arab nomadic background—have ships and investments with national, regional beria, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Sudan. Libe- targeted civilian populations and ethnic groups and local governments involved in genocide; rians have had relief from removal for the from which the rebels primarily draw their sup- and they participate in business activities with longest period, first receiving TPS in March port—the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa. any warring parties or rebel groups perpe- 1991 following the outbreak of civil war. Libe- The Bush Administration recognized these trating genocide. States and Cities that have rians currently have DED until March 31, atrocities—carried out against civilians pri- divested or are in the process of divesting 2009, and has now been extended by the marily by the government of Sudan and its al- State and City funds from companies that con- Obama Administration. lied Janjaweed militias—as genocide. Anto´nio duct business in Sudan; and United States Liberia is Africa’s oldest republic, but it be- Guterres, the United Nations High Commis- colleges and universities that have divested came better known in the 1990s for its long- sioner for Refugees, has described the situa- their funds from, or placed restrictions on in- running, ruinous civil war and its role in a re- tion in Sudan and Chad as ‘‘the largest and vestments of their funds in, companies that bellion in neighboring Sierra Leone. By the most complex humanitarian problem on the conduct business in Sudan. late 1980s, arbitrary rule and economic col- globe.’’ The Government Accountability Office lapse culminated in civil war when Charles The Sudanese government and the (GAO) to investigate the existence and extent Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia Janjaweed militias are responsible for the of all Federal Retirement Thrift Investment (NPFL) rebels overran much of the country- burning and destruction of hundreds of rural Board investments with national, regional and side, entering the capital in 1990 and killing villages, the killing of tens of thousands of local governments involved in genocide; or then President Samuel Doe. In 1995, a peace people and rape and assault of thousands of business activities with any warring parties agreement was signed, leading to the election women and girls. perpetrating genocide; or related to debt-obli- of Mr. Taylor as president. Another war began With much international pressure, the Darfur gations issued by the government of Sudan. in 1999, escalated in 2000, and ended in Peace Agreement was brokered in May 2006 Also, the Chairman of the Securities and 2003. between the government of Sudan and one Exchange Commission is charged with main- It pitted the forces of Charles Taylor, elected faction of Darfur rebels. However, deadlines taining and publishing a list of the names of president in 1997 after Liberia’s first civil war have been ignored and the violence has esca- the business enterprises identified by the Se- (1989–1997), against two armed anti-Taylor lated, with in-fighting among the various rebel curities and Exchange Commission as having rebel groups. It also destabilized neighboring groups and factions dramatically increasing ties with perpetrators of genocide. states, which accepted Liberian refugees and, and adding a new layer of complexity to the It also reasserts Section 11 of the Darfur in some cases, hosted anti-Taylor forces and conflict. Peace and Accountability Act (stripped from became targets of the Taylor regime. This violence has made it dangerous, if not the Senate version) that nothing in that act or In 2003, Mr. Taylor—under international impossible, for most of the millions of dis- any other provision of law shall be construed pressure to quit and hemmed in by rebels— placed persons to return to their homes. Hu- to preempt any State law that prohibits invest- stepped down and went into exile in Nigeria. manitarian aid agencies face growing obsta- ment of State funds, including State pension A transitional government headed by Chair- cles to bringing widespread relief. In August funds, in or relating to the Republic of the man Gyude Bryant steered the country to- 2006, the UN’s top humanitarian official Jan Sudan. wards elections in 2005. Around 250,000 peo- Egeland stated that the situation in Darfur is LIBERIA ple were killed in Liberia’s civil war, and many ‘‘going from real bad to catastrophic.’’ Indeed, Mr. Speaker, A part of the world that has thousands more fled the fighting. The conflict the violence in Darfur rages on with govern- been neglected for many years is West Africa. left the country in economic ruin and overrun ment-backed militias still attacking civilian pop- And one of the gems of this region is Liberia. with illegal weapons. 15,000 U.N. peace- ulations with impunity. I am pleased that Liberia’s temporary protec- keepers were deployed to help in stabilizing On July 30, 2004, the UN Security Council tive order was extended. the country. adopted resolution 1556 demanding that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is the Liberia held elections in October 2005, with government of Sudan disarm the Janjaweed. statutory embodiment of safe haven for those a presidential runoff in November, a key step This same demand is also an important part of aliens who may not meet the legal definition of in a peace-building process following its sec- the Darfur Peace Agreement signed in May of refugee but are nonetheless fleeing—or reluc- ond civil war in a decade. Ellen Johnson 2006. tant to return to—potentially dangerous situa- Sirleaf, an economist, won the presidential On August 31, 2006, the Security Council tions. runoff vote, with 59.4 percent of votes cast took the further step of authorizing a strong There are numerous regions throughout the and took office in mid-January 2006, becom- UN peacekeeping force for Darfur by passing world where discrete and insular minorities ing the first female president of an African resolution 1706. Despite these actions, the might need this type of relief. TPS is blanket country. Janjaweed are still active and free to commit relief that may be granted under the following Most observers viewed the vote as orderly, the same genocidal crimes against civilians in conditions: there is ongoing armed conflict free and fair. It fulfilled a key goal of an Au- Darfur with the aid of the Sudanese govern- posing serious threat to personal safety; a for- gust 2003 peace accord that had ended the ment. eign state requests TPS because it tempo- second civil war and led to an ongoing, U.S.- International experts agree that the United rarily cannot handle the return of nationals due aided post-war transition process, which is Nations Security Council must deploy a to environmental disaster or there are extraor- bolstered by the multifaceted peacekeeping peacekeeping force with a mandate to protect dinary and temporary conditions in a foreign and development-focused U.N. Mission in Li- civilians immediately. Until it arrives, the state that prevent aliens from returning, pro- beria (UNMIL).

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 23, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3731 Liberia’s security situation is stable but sub- Liberia-related activities by the 110th Con- The United States government owes Haiti ject to periodic volatility. Liberia’s economy gress built on those pursued by the 109th substantial funds in foreign aid. Substantial and state structures remain devastated by Congress. Congress continued to monitor the loans have been negotiated for the people of war. Humanitarian conditions are improving. activities of the SCSL and, in particular, the Haiti. Some estimates have the loans valued Liberia receives extensive U.S. post-war re- Taylor war crimes case, and provide funding at as much as $146 million dollars. The United construction and security sector reform assist- for the SCSL. Congress’s focus on Liberia States government is delaying the disburse- ance. In March 2006, former President Taylor also centered on aiding Liberia’s efforts to ment of these funds to advance their political was arrested in Nigeria and transferred to the consolidate its post-war governance and eco- aims. While the U.S. government stubbornly U.S.-supported Special Court for Sierra Leone nomic rebuilding processes. Issues that drew maintains these restrictive policies the people (SCSL) to face war crimes charges. He was particular congressional attention included: of Haiti are suffering and dying. later transferred to The Hague, the Nether- Efforts to rehabilitate schools, clinics, roads The U.S. government has promised Iraq lands, where he is on trial by the SCSL. and other public facilities; Progress under the $80 billion in aid to rebuild their war torn coun- In addition to providing substantial support GEMAP transparency initiative; Progress of try. The people of Haiti have suffered as well. for Liberia’s post-war peace and reconstruc- U.S.-backed security sector restructuring, and But instead of providing much needed aid, the tion processes, Congress has maintained a possible expansions of related assistance, U.S. government blocks humanitarian efforts continuing interest in the status of Charles e.g., for the creation of a quick reaction gen- and refuses to honor outstanding loans. Taylor and in ensuring funding for the SCSL. darme unit; increased mobility capacity build- Mr. Speaker, it is a disgrace that our Con- Other legislation proposed in the 109th and ing for the police and military; and maritime gress stands by while the people of Haiti suf- noth Congresses centered on immigration, waters and land border monitoring and inter- fer and die. I join my colleagues on the Con- debt, and tax haven issues, and the com- diction capacity building. gressional Black Caucus in imploring the U.S. mendation of Liberia for successfully holding Consideration of potential continued support government to let Haiti live. elections. for UNMIL and the pace of its projected draw- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would The United States has voiced continuing down; and U.S. decision-making on debt relief like to thank my friend and colleague support for President Sirleaf’s government for Liberia and the status of future Brooke because she always does bring great since she took office. In February 2008, Amendment restrictions on Liberia. The U.N. focus and great insight, and I thank former President Bush and Mrs. Bush traveled voted to lift a ban on diamond exports, which you so much. to Liberia, among other African countries. The fueled the civil war, in April 2007. A ban on Mr. Speaker, I will close with a few general aim of the trip was to discuss contin- timber exports was lifted in 2006. comments. ued U.S. partnerships with African countries in Liberia’s security situation is stable but sub- Mr. Speaker, the suffering of the peo- the areas of democratic reform, respect for ject to periodic volatility. Progress in govern- ple of Haiti and Liberia are pressing human rights, free trade, open investment re- ance under the interim government that pre- issues. The United States has more op- gimes, and economic opportunity. ceded that of President Sirleaf was mixed; tions available in dealing with Haitians In Liberia, President Bush’s trip focused on widespread corruption within it was widely re- and Liberians. It is time for the United U.S. help in strengthening Liberia’s post-war ported. Liberia’s economy and state structures States to exert that control and ex- democratic institutions, Governance and Eco- remain devastated by war. tending temporary protected status, or nomic Management Assistance Program Humanitarian conditions are improving. Li- TPS, for individuals from Haiti and (GEMAP) efforts to improve management of beria receives extensive U.S. post-war recon- stand by our TPS for Liberians. public finances and combat corruption. struction and security sector reform assistance As a signatory to the United Nations It also highlighted Liberia’s status as a tar- and in addition to providing substantial support protocol relating to the status of refu- get country of the President’s Expanded Edu- for Liberia’s post-war peace and reconstruc- gees, the United States has agreed that cation Initiative, which through a program tion processes, Congress has maintained a it will not return an individual to a component called the Ambassador’s Girls’ continuing interest in the status of Charles country where his life or freedom Scholarship program had as of early 2008 Taylor and in ensuring funding for the SCSL. supported 2,700 scholarships for girls in Libe- I hope that President Obama makes his way would be threatened. U.S. immigration ria, and its status as new President’s Malaria to Africa very soon. And his presence in a law employs TPS designations to ad- Initiative recipient country. It also drew atten- country like Liberia would be a bold statement dress this very issue. TPS protects in- tion to U.S. security sector reform efforts in Li- that change is on the way. dividuals from being deported to a country where that person would be beria. HAITI Former First Lady Laura Bush and Former Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in solidarity threatened on the basis of race, reli- Secretary of State Rice, among other promi- with my colleagues on the Congressional gion, nationality, membership in a par- nent U.S. guests, attended President Sirleaf’s Black Caucus, to speak against the United ticular group, or political opinion. inauguration in 2006. Their presence, Sirleaf States’ unfair treatment of the people of Haiti. TPS is also sought by those aiming noted in her inaugural speech, ‘‘manifests a Haitians should also receive a Temporary to flee extreme poverty, depravation, renewal and strengthening of the long-stand- Protective Order. Haiti is one of the most im- violence, and the dislocation brought ing historic special relations which bind our poverished countries in the western hemi- on by famines or natural disasters in two countries and peoples.’’ She also stated sphere and the fourth poorest country in the their home countries. that it ‘‘reflects a new partnership with the world. There are 8.3 million people residing in Mr. Speaker, I think that it is time United States based on shared values’’ and Haiti. for this country to understand the sig- that Liberians are ‘‘confident that we can con- The people of Haiti are also facing a severe nificance of helping those who cannot tinue to count on the assistance of the United medical crisis as a result of their poverty. Haiti help themselves. States [. . .] in the urgent task of rebuilding of is the home of 90% of all HIV/AIDS patients I began this hour talk about a quote our nation.’’ in the Caribbean. Over 200,000 Haitian chil- from Dr. Martin Luther King, and I President Bush awarded the U.S. Presi- dren will be orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Child mor- will close with the same one, that in- dential Medal of Freedom to Sirleaf in Novem- tality rates in Haiti are also excessively high. justice anywhere is injustice every- ber 2007. President Sirleaf has made several For every 1,000 births in Haiti, 74 infant where. official visits to the United States, including in deaths will occur. Mr. Speaker, I just ask that this Con- February 2007, when she attended a World The social conditions in Haiti are as deplor- gress and the Members who are hearing Bank-organized Liberia Partners’ Forum donor able as the medical condition. Of the millions this or who will read this at some other meeting in Washington, DC. She made an- of Haitian residents, only 46% have access to point do make themselves aware of the other such visit in March 2006, during which clean drinking water. Furthermore, 53% of all plight of the people who we spoke she addressed a joint session of Congress on Haitian residents are malnourished. about today. March 15 and met with President Bush on Despite our close proximity to Haiti, and the Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, on March 4th, March 21. widespread publication of the social and med- the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued She reportedly closely consulted with U.S. ical plight of Haitian residents, the U.S. gov- an arrest warrant for Sudanese President officials regarding her priorities for Liberia and ernment has insisted on blocking humanitarian Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir for war crimes the status of Charles Taylor. During a pre-in- aid. The U.S. government is attempting to and crimes against humanity. augural December 2005 trip to the United shape the political landscape in Haiti to the That very same day, following the ICC’s de- States, Sirleaf also met with key U.S. and severe detriment of the innocent people of cision, the Government of Sudan expelled 13 international financial institution officials. Haiti. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:13 May 02, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\H23MR9.REC H23MR9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 23, 2009 Darfur, accusing them of cooperating with the uary 6, 2009, the gentleman from Lou- from these tax increase proposals that ICC investigation. These non-governmental or- isiana (Mr. SCALISE) is recognized for 60 will stifle middle-class families and our ganizations include many of the most re- minutes as the designee of the minor- small businesses and don’t go and bor- spected humanitarian organizations in the ity leader. row trillions—not hundreds of bil- world. Among them are Oxfam, Doctors With- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I appre- lions—but trillions of dollars from our out Borders, International Rescue Committee, ciate the opportunity to address the families, from our children and our and Mercy Corps. House for an hour. We’re going to be grandchildren who we want to leave a The withdrawal of these organizations will talking about the economic situation better life to. We don’t want to saddle leave millions of civilians without access to facing our country and specifically the them with trillions of dollars in new food, clean water, and medical assistance. budget situation. debt. This outrageous action is just another example Just about a month ago, the Presi- And some of these charts that we’re of the cruelty of the Government of Sudan to- dent right here on this floor laid out going to show and talk about really il- wards its own people. And it proves that the some of the proposals for what his lustrate what this means, what these ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for budget would represent, and then the budgets mean because these budget Bashir was entirely justified. next day he laid out the blueprint for documents that are being debated up The Government of Sudan has been car- that budget. And I think it caught a lot here in Congress, they talk about big rying out a campaign of genocide against the of people around the country by sur- numbers and they talk about pro- people of Darfur since 2003. The Sudanese prise, really caused some great concern grams. And some of these are govern- government is supporting militia groups that by people, especially as it relates to ment programs that are good, success- are engaged in genocidal practices in commu- this record level of funding, taxing, and ful programs. Some of these are gov- nities of African farmers in the Western prov- borrowing ernment programs that should have ince of Darfur. These militias are razing vil- And over the last few weeks, you’ve never been in place in the first place. lages, systematically raping women and girls, heard a lot of people laying out those Some of them are programs that are specifically targeting and destroying food and details, just what that spending means, failing, yet will be getting more money water supplies, and massacring communities. just what those taxes mean in terms of from the Federal Government. In the last five years the conflict has taken the the average cost to American families. And where is this money coming lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians. On The middle class families, not just rich from? And as people look and ask these October 1, 2008, the United Nations reported people as was purported, but middle tough questions, what they realize is that there were almost 2.7 million internally class families will be paying over $3,000 this is money we don’t have. This is displaced persons in Darfur, almost 300,000 of on an energy bill. money that would be borrowed in whom were newly displaced in 2008, and an And then what I think really fright- record numbers, and this chart right additional 2 million people continue to be di- ened the American people was the here shows real well, leading into this rectly affected by the conflict. record level of borrowing that this administration taking office just 2 In July of 2007, the United Nations Security budget represents, and with over $1.7 months ago, the fact that the deficit at Council passed Resolution 1769, which au- trillion in the first year in next year’s the end of the current fiscal year will thorized the deployment of a joint United Na- budget that the President has sub- be more than tripled by the President’s tions/African Union peacekeeping force in mitted, over a tripling of the deficit proposed budget. Darfur, known as UNAMID. The force was to that was, quote, unquote, inherited. This budget in 2010 is the President’s consist of a total of 26,000 troops. However, And so, as these record levels of proposed budget, over $1.7 trillion, and UNAMID was deployed at only 63 percent of spending and taxes and record levels of in fact, on Friday, the Congressional its full strength as of December 31, 2008, and borrowing have been laid out, you’ve Budget Office came out with revised does not have the capacity to fulfill its man- heard a chorus of echoes, not just by numbers. And unfortunately, those re- date to protect civilians in Darfur. UNAMID those of us here in this Chamber who vised numbers were not good for the must immediately deploy its forces at their full are strongly opposed to that irrespon- President. They surely were not good strength, and take all necessary and appro- sible spending, to that unprecedented for the taxpayers of this country. They priate action to protect the people of Darfur. level of taxing that will literally stifle were not good for our children and Early in 2006, I visited the Darfur region the growth of small businesses and grandchildren. with my good friend from California, Speaker middle class families, but also the bor- My daughter, Madison, who’s 2 years NANCY PELOSI, and I was deeply disturbed by rowing that affects our next genera- old, will be inheriting more of this what I saw. As far as the eyes could see, tion. This isn’t money that we have. debt, thousands of dollars in national there were crowds of displaced people who This is money that would be borrowed debt. Now this deficit that was pro- had been driven from their homes, living lit- from our children and our grand- jected to be $1.7 trillion has risen to erally on the ground with nothing but little children, saddling them with, on esti- $1.9 trillion just in the last few days. mates, of over $3,000 of debt just in the tarps to cover them. That was three years b 2100 ago, and yet this genocide has been allowed President’s spending bill, that $800 bil- to continue. lion piece of legislation called stim- There’s no end in sight. What we’re If we are serious about opposing genocide, ulus, that just in its first few weeks saying is: Mr. President, don’t go down we must take decisive action to stop it. added more than $3,000 of national debt this road. There is a better way. We We must demand that all nations respect on to the backs of every man, woman need to rein in the spending that is and enforce the decision of the ICC. and child in this country. going on here in Washington. We need We must demand that humanitarian organi- And so with that, I wanted to lay out to look out across the country and see zations be allowed to return to Sudan. some of the details of just what the what other people that are dealing We must enact and enforce comprehensive spending means, just what these record with these tough economic times are sanctions against Sudan without exceptions. deficits mean to the American people, doing. We must demand that China stop to a budget process, and historically, Families are cutting back, Mr. bankrolling the genocide. to lay out where these deficits that the Speaker. Families are cutting back to And we must demand that the United Na- President’s budget really stand in rela- deal with these tough economic times. tions immediately deploy its peacekeeping tion to history in time because these They’re making adjustments in their forces and do everything necessary to protect are things that have not passed yet. household budget. They’re stretching civilians and save the people of Darfur. And the American people all across their dollars. Some people are saving It’s long past time to get serious about the country, they’ve had these tea par- and paying down debt. And at time genocide. ties that have been sprouting up in that we’re seeing families making re- f States all throughout the Nation and sponsible decisions and States dealing literally hundreds, in some cases thou- with their deficits—and yes, States are ECONOMIC SITUATION FACING OUR sands, of people are showing up and hurting too—but States are making COUNTRY saying enough is enough, Mr. President cuts to be responsible. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under and Members of Congress, stop this It seems like here in Washington is the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- reckless spending, stop and back away the only place where spending is out of

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