Condemning the October Military Coup in Sudan and Standing with the People of Sudan

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 59, condemning the October 25 coup in Sudan. I thank Chairman Meeks, Ranking Member McCaul, as well as Chairwoman Bass and Ranking Member Smith of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Global Human Rights.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Sudan have worked tirelessly for freedom and democracy since the ousting of 30-year dictator, Omar Al-Bashir. Unfortunately, the path toward civilian-led democracy was halted when military junta leaders detained civilian leaders and took over the government last fall. These actions undermined months of progress made under transitional authorities and hope for a new future in Sudan.

Military leaders, like General Burhan and General Hemeti, have once again prioritized power as well as personal and financial gain over the will of the people. While I am glad Congress is sending an important and unified message condemning the October 25 coup, more must be done.

That is why I am leading the Sudan Democracy Act, which passed out of committee earlier this year. The same military junta that overthrew the civilian-led transitional government and are undermining peace and stability in Sudan, are also some of the same individuals implicated in gross violations of human rights, corruption, and illicit finance schemes.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the administration to utilize all existing sanctions authority to demand accountability for these actions while we continue to work here in Congress to find a path forward for new, important sanctions authority.

I stand firmly behind the people of Sudan, or anywhere else in the world, where people are fighting for freedom and democracy.

In closing, I again thank my colleagues on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights for offering this important resolution.

Last month, the Senate unanimously passed an identical resolution, and Congress is speaking clearly with one voice in support of the people of Sudan and their tireless fight for democracy.

The United States should continue to support human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society leaders in Sudan who are standing up for democracy. But it is also critical that the Biden administration rethink any foreign assistance intended for Sudan under this new military junta leadership.

Prior appropriations bills provided over $700 million to solidify a fledgling civilian-led transitional government. Unfortunately, that government is no longer in power and precious taxpayer resources should not be beholden to this unfortunate new reality in Sudan.

I again commend the people of Sudan for their steadfast support of democracy, and I am proud that today, the United States Congress sends a strong message of solidarity.

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