This non-binding House resolution asks the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to increase emergency funding by $100,000,000 to respond to the famine in South Sudan by providing food and other resources.
In 2011, the Republic of South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011. In December 2013, a political power struggle emerged between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his former deputy Riek Machar, as the President accused Machar and others of attempting a coup. In August 2015, a peace agreement was signed under the threat of sanctions from the United Nations which resulted in Machar being appointed Vice President. Violence later broke out again and Machar was replaced and fled the country. The actions of the Government and the armed opposition to prolong the conflict in South Sudan have created a “man-made” famine currently affecting 100,000 people. Republican Policy Committee
The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress, and was published on Apr 25, 2017.
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Agency for International Development should: (1) continue to provide immediate and robust assistance to respond to the famine in South Sudan by providing food and other essential resources and to collaborate with international relief organizations to reach vulnerable populations, and (2) be encouraged to continue to provide needed and locally appropriate food aid through the Food for Peace and Emergency Food Security Programs.
Calls upon the government of South Sudan to: (1) declare and observe a cessation of hostilities to allow food and essential supplies to reach affected civilians; and (2) allow immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to southern Unity, where the famine is underway.
Condemns: (1) all threats and violence against civilian populations and aid workers, including the over 70 humanitarian aid workers killed since the conflict began and the brutal attack by the South Sudanese military on humanitarian aid workers at the Terrain Camp in July 2016; and (2) the looting by security forces of humanitarian assistance destined for civilians in need.
Supports the U.S. government effort, with partners in the international community, to facilitate humanitarian access to affected areas and encourages greater diplomatic pressure on the parties to return to the negotiation table to stop the violence and allow full humanitarian access.
