As the week of the big Sudan policy unveiling comes to a close, here’s a round-up of reactions from members of Congress:
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
“Such a policy is engagement to the extreme, and blind to fundamental principles of justice. This new policy sends the wrong message to tyrants around the world, that they will not be brought to justice, and instead may even receive American concessions.”
Read his remarks in this news article.
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)
“I am pleased that the administration is committed to using ‘all elements of influence’ to achieve these objectives and I look forward to working with them to do so. Still, I hope to learn more about the specific pressures being considered to make the Sudanese government comply and under what specific conditions these steps would be triggered.”
Read his entire statement.
Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
“Importantly, this strategy builds on lessons learned from past efforts and addresses the situation as it exists today, promoting both engagement and accountability.”
Read his entire statement.
Congressman Mike Capuano (D-MA)
I recognize that engagement with the Government of Khartoum may be necessary to achieve those ends [in implementing the CPA and ending the Darfur crisis]. I am not however, ready to embrace President al-Bashir’s government as a changed entity. It still has important baseline expectations.”
Read his entire statement.
Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA)
“Sudan policy has been reviewed and re-reviewed. The country remains in crisis. To be honest, the best policy might fail. But unless Sudan receives top-level attention – the commander-in-chief – failure is assured.”
Read Royce’s entire post on his blog, “Foreign Intrigue.”
Congressman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) addressed the policy review in a statement on the House floor:
“It is difficult to imagine a policy where the tiger will change its stripes simply because we ask. This is foolish at best and dangerous at worst.”
To see video of her entire speech click here.