Congresswoman Lee Speaks Out Against the Violence in South Sudan
Washington, DC – This morning, Congresswoman Lee spoke on the House floor about the humanitarian crisis devastating South Sudan and the need for increased diplomatic efforts to end the bloodshed.
“Since fighting broke out last December, a humanitarian crisis has plagued this young nation. Almost 2 million people have been displaced and an estimated 50,000 civilian deaths have occurred,” said Congresswoman Lee. “And the situation is only likely to get worse in the coming months. The U.S. played a vital role in supporting an independent South Sudan, and we have a vital role moving forward to ensure that the conflict does not deteriorate.”
“As a co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus on Sudan and South Sudan, I urge the Administration to increase its political and diplomatic efforts to bring this conflict to an end and to prevent further bloodshed. With 1.5 million people experiencing food insecurity in South Sudan, now is the time to ensure that we use diplomacy to bring this crisis to an end.”
Congresswoman Lee’s full speech can be viewed below.
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Congresswoman Lee is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Sudan and South Sudan and a member of the Appropriations Committee subcommittee of State and Foreign Operations. She is also a member of the Budget Committee, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.