Durbin Introduces Bill to Apply Greater Economic Pressure on Sudan

Press Release

United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation today that increases the pressure on the Government of Sudan to take action to end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The Sudan Disclosure and Enforcement Act will require US-listed companies that operate in the Sudanese oil industry to file more detailed disclosures with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), increase the civil and criminal penalties for violating American sanctions, and authorize greater resources to track Sudanese economic activity and to pursue those who violate sanctions. Senators Brownback, Dodd, Klobuchar, Mikulski, Nelson (FL), Obama and Wyden are among the cosponsors of the bill.

"This is the first time in history that we have called a genocide for what it is. But recognizing this crisis isn't enough. We must act," Durbin said. "This bill can make a difference. It not only provides more transparency, making it easier for individuals to chose whether to support companies dealing in Sudan, but it dramatically increases penalties for violating American sanctions. It's time we show the world that we are no longer going tacitly support a regime engaged in genocide."

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