Introduction to Kerry-Brownback Bill on Sudan

Senators Kerry and Brownback are about to present a bill to the Senate in support for a clean, fair, clean and safe Referendum.  Below is the introductory email from Shannon Smith, Senate Professional Staff for Foreign Relations.  The text of the bill can be found on www.hopewithsudan.org.  You are urged to contact your senators and urge them to support this bill.

From: Smith, Shannon (Foreign Relations) <Shannon_Smith@foreign.senate.gov>
Date: Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 5:32 PM
Subject: Forthcoming Sudan Legislation
To: "Smith, Shannon (Foreign Relations)" <Shannon_Smith@foreign.senate.gov>
Cc: "Kness, Kody (Brownback)" <Kody_Kness@brownback.senate.gov>

Colleagues,
Senator Kerry plans to introduce the attached bipartisan legislation on Sudan next week.  We have been working with Senator Brownback on this effort and would strongly welcome your support.  The goals of the legislation are:
·         to spell out clearly the objectives of U.S. policy and the bilateral and multilateral tools available to pursue it;
·         to emphasize the need for all parties to commit to see the CPA through the referenda and beyond;
·         to underscore the importance of Darfur and to provide policy guidance on both the peace process and the humanitarian situation; and
·         to lay the legal groundwork, spur the humanitarian planning, and shape the policy framework in the likelihood of secession.
The bill offers a number of specific prescriptions, including the designation of a senior official to aid the Darfur peace process; the authorization of certain types of assistance to Southern Sudan; and a provision to allow the transshipment of oil originating in Southern Sudan  northward without being subject to U.S. sanctions under specified conditions.
We are happy to discuss the legislation and the path forward.  The intent is to introduce the bill next week, with a significant effort to gain early cosponsors.  The likely timetable for reporting the legislation and final passage will be the lame duck session.  If you would like to discuss the bill, press strategies, or other points, please feel free to call or email Kody and me.
Thanks very much,
Shannon
Shannon Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Professional Staff Member
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
(202) 224-4651