Should More Humanitarian Aid Go to Famine-Stricken South Sudan? (H. Res. 187)

What is H. Res. 187?

(Updated September 1, 2019)

This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) should increase emergency funding by $100 million to respond to the famine in South Sudan and provide emergency food assistance. It also calls on the government of South Sudan to declare a ceasefire to allow food and supplies to reach civilians affected by the famine in addition to allowing immediate and unrestricted access to the famine-stricken region.

The House would condemn all threats of violence against civilians and aid workers in South Sudan. It would also express support for U.S. government efforts to work with partners in the international community to provide humanitarian access to famine-stricken areas and encourage greater diplomatic pressure on the parties to Sudan’s conflict in order to stop the violence and allow humanitarian access.

As a simple resolution, this legislation would only receive a vote in the House and wouldn’t have the force of law.

Argument in favor

Congress should encourage federal agencies to provide emergency aid to South Sudan to deal with its famine and apply pressure on the warring parties to end the region’s conflict.

Argument opposed

This is an empty gesture because the resolution wouldn’t have the force of law. If Congress is serious, it should pass a bill requiring USAID to give emergency funds to South Sudan.

Impact

People in South Sudan; humanitarian groups; South Sudan’s government and parties to the conflict; USAID; and the federal government.

Cost of H. Res. 187

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) introduced this resolution to call for an increase in emergency funding to address the famine in South Sudan and allow for increased humanitarian aid to the wartorn region:

“This manmade crisis can be averted with support from USAID and the international community. Internal conflicts have created these dire conditions and must cease to ensure that necessary resources can reach those dying from acute malnutrition. The resolution represents our continued commitment to support efforts by USAID, the international community—including the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union—to facilitate humanitarian access to affected areas. It is vital that we provide life-saving food and other nutritional assistance to the people of South Sudan.”

This legislation has the bipartisan support of 41 cosponsors in the House, including 37 Democrats and four Republicans.

Of Note: South Sudan has been experiencing a famine since February 2017 that was caused, in part, by years of instability brought on by the region's civil war. It's estimated to have affected nearly five million people, or about half of the country's population.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) Press Release
  
• Voice of America