Senate Resolution Calls for Special Envoy to Sudan

On July 14, 2006 Senators Lieberman (D-CT) and Bond (R-MO) introduced legislation urging President Bush to appoint a special envoy to Sudan and authorizing a minimum of $250,000 to support this position.

 The Senate resolution argues that a presidential envoy could ensure that the crisis in Darfur remains a top priority for the U.S. government, and could help gather resources from donors. S.Res.531 also recommends that the special envoy be allowed to formulate and coordinate policy, lead negotiations, and engage with parties involved in the conflict to monitor their compliance with the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

 It was introduced with nine additional original cosponsors, including Senators Burns (R-MT), Reid (D-NV), Murray (D-WA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Pryor (D-AR), Talent (R-MO), Mikulski (D-MD), Snowe (R-ME) and Cantwell (D-WA), and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Since its introduction on July 14, Senators Kennedy (D-MA), Kerry (D-MA), and Durbin (D-IL) have also joined in cosponsoring the resolution.

 Earlier this year, Congress passed the FY06 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 4939), which included a provision earmarking no less than $250,000 to establish and support an Office for a Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan (Senate Amendment 3719). S. Res. 531 compliments that legislation.

Both the House and Senate have previously passed legislation, H.R. 3127 and S. 1462, that call for, among other things, a special envoy to Sudan. In April, 119 House members sent a letter to Secretary of State Rice supporting the appointment of an envoy “whose sole responsibility is to monitor the situation in Darfur and the South.” So far the administration has refused to act.

Citizens for Global Solutions asks Congress to support this important resolution and urges President Bush to quickly appoint a special envoy for Sudan. The appointment of a special envoy with a clear mandate and authority could cement the leadership role the United States has already taken in resolving the crisis. The administration’s active engagement was instrumental in bringing an end to the violence in Southern Sudan. A similarly determined effort is needed to bring an end to the violence in Darfur.

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