“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006.

“Nearly two years ago, I joined my colleagues in Congress to declare the atrocities in Darfur “genocide.” Despite this declaration, hundreds of thousands are dead, millions remain displaced and peacekeepers continue to lack needed support. It is clear that additional action is needed and I am pleased to join my colleagues today in supporting passage of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006.

“The Khartoum government must be held accountable. It is my hope that with this legislation President Bush will exercise the influence of the United States at the United Nations to garner greater support from the world community to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to the Sudanese people.”