- SHORT AUDIO CLIP FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR
- Excerpts from Congressman Chris Smith Speech
- Congressman Honda's speech in support of HR2003 - VIDEO
- EMBASSY of Ethiopia on House Passage of H.R. 2003
- House of Representatives Passes Human Rights Bill (VOA)
- House Seeks Reform in Ethiopia (AP)
- Read H.R. 2003 in English
- Read H.R. 2003 in Amharic
- EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT H.R. 2003, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!
____________________
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSED H.R. 2003 TODAY AT 12:58 EASTER STANDARD TIME
(Coalition for HR 2003) The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2003 (Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) on a unanimous vote at exactly 12:58 Eastern Standard Time.
Donald Payne delivered an impassioned speech on the floor of the House urging members pass the bill. He outlined the long train of human rights abuses that have taken place in Ethiopia over the past two years. He said the people of Ethiopia deserve democracy and human rights and a government of their choice.
Congressman Chris Smith, similarly delivered an impassioned speech and recounted Zenawi’s arrogant lecture that he planned to imprison all of the opposition leaders. Smith joined Payne in insisting that the U.S. demand of the Ethiopian government accountability for the aid that it receives and compliance with human rights laws.
All Ethiopians should take this opportunity to thank Congressmen Donald Payne, Chris Smith, Tom Lantos and Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer for their support in getting this legislation passed. When we needed their help, we called upon them . NOW IT IS TIME TO CALL AND SAY: “THANK YOU.”
The Coalition will issue further statements on action in the Senate soon.
Coalition for HR 2003
____________________
There was also a separate hearing at the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health which focused on Human Rights and Humanitarian Conditions in the Ogaden and Somalia. Kinijit VP Birtukan Mideksa And Dr. Berhanu Nega were among those who testified at this hearing.
-VIDEO - hearing at the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health
-Full text of the Prepared Statement of Birtukan Mideksa
-Full text of the Prepared Statement of Dr. Berhanu Nega
-Testimony by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer
____________________
