I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for passing H.R. 6600, Ethiopia Stabilization, Peace and Democracy Act introduced by Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-7)
It has been almost sixteen months since the conflict started in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the humanitarian situation in the region is beyond dire. Tigray, the third-largest contributor to Ethiopia’s economy has been reduced to ashes and the livelihood of its people upended by the war. The man-made famine throughout the region engineered by the Ethiopian government has killed thousands in a slow and painful death. This is on top of the unspeakable atrocities committed on its people during the course of the war.
I believe H.R. 6600 is the first legislation that will bring relief to the people of Ethiopia. It’s a resolution that has the best interest of Ethiopia because it promotes a peaceful pathway to the ongoing conflict by opening a window of opportunity, for an inclusive national dialogue. The passage of H.R. 6600 is instrumental as the legislation is a complement to the Senate’s Ethiopia Peace and Democracy Promotion Act of 2021 (S. 3199) and builds upon the BidenAdministration’s previous actions to address human rights violations in Ethiopia. The Act allows the US Government to use its diplomatic, development and legal tools to support an end to the civil war. Furthermore, it holds perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable. Passage of H.R. 6600 in Congress would effectively contribute to ending the humanitarian siege in Tigray and bring much needed relief to the millions starving from lack of food and medicine.
As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor or support H.R. 6600 so that it passes in the full house of representatives.
Sincerely,