|
Washington, D.C. - Today the House took up Rep. Berman’s Genocide Accountability Act, S. 888 (the Senate equivalent of Rep. Berman’s bill, H.R. 2489). Rep. Berman spoke on behalf of his bill during its consideration, and answered clarifying questions posed by other members during the debate. The bill passed unanimously by voice vote. The Genocide Accountability Act would close a legal loophole that prevents the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) from prosecuting people in our country who have committed genocide abroad. The Justice Department has identified individuals who are or have been in the United States that they suspect had an active role in the genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. Under current law, the Justice Department is unable to interview or charge any of these individuals because DOJ lacks jurisdictional rights. The Senate passed the bill in March 2007. Because both chambers passed identical versions of the bill, it will go directly to the President to be signed into law.
To read Rep. Berman's statement on his bill click here.
|
|
