Washington, DC –Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08) co-sponsored and early this week voted to pass the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, H.R. 3127. The Act amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 and directs President Bush to impose sanctions on the government of Sudan as well as freeze the assets of anyone responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan.

“It was reported today that the administration is considering using sanctions and no fly zones to force Sudan to agree to a United Nations peacekeeping force,” Congressman Reichert said. “I want to lend my voice in support of a tougher position. The United States has a moral obligation to lead the global efforts to end genocide and we need to be doing more. People are dying and we cannot stand by idly without acting. I applaud the President’s announcement earlier this month of a special envoy, but the diplomacy should be backed up by a strong stance that we are not going to allow these people to continue to suffer. The U.S. should go to the U.N. Security Council and request that punitive sanctions be imposed against Sudan.”

Congressman Reichert continued, “I co-sponsored, voted for and Congress passed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act to add additional pressure to the Sudanese government to address the genocide. The will of the President, the Congress and the American people is represented in these combined actions. Ending genocide will take a combined, focused effort. The will of the international community to end genocide in Darfur must be demonstrated as well.”

In August, Congressman Reichert was acknowledged for his efforts on behalf of the people of Darfur by the Genocide Intervention Network. Congressman Reichert was given an ‘A’ grade for his efforts stop the genocide of thousands in the Darfur region of Sudan and recognized as a leader in Congress on the issue. Congressman Reichert is the only Representative from Washington State to receive an ‘A’.