For Immediate Release:                                                       

May 15, 2008                                                 

For More Information, Contact:

Andrea Wuebker/Laena Fallon

GREGG AMENDMENT PROVIDES $225 MILLION FOR GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS AND TRAGEDY-STRICKEN BURMA

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs included an amendment to provide an additional $225 million to address the global food crisis and Cyclone Nargis’ damage in Burma during today’s fiscal years 2008 and 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill markup.

Senator Gregg stated, “The Subcommittee is keenly aware that the price of rice is at its highest levels in 20 years, while supplies are at the lowest since the 1980s, and we remain concerned with reports of food riots from Pakistan to Haiti and Somalia.  We understand the security implications of the food crisis, as well as to the welfare of increasingly vulnerable populations.”

The amendment is offset by a rescission to unexpended balances of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. 

Regarding Burma, Senator Gregg said, “The single greatest obstacle to meeting the basic and increasingly dire needs of the people of Burma affected by the cyclone remains the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).  They have unequivocally proven to the world that they are incapable of even the most basic governance.  The Burmese people need to know that the world is ready to help – but cannot because the SPDC is squarely blocking relief efforts.  It appears that ‘Than Shwe’ in Burmese stands for obstruction and misrule.

“The situation in Burma today was unfortunately predictable:  the country was a man-made disaster before nature made things worse.  Those countries content on doing business with the reprehensible regime – particularly China, India, and Thailand – bear a significant responsibility for convincing their ‘friends’ within the SPDC to meet the most basic needs of the Burmese people during this catastrophe.  By engaging the junta over the years, they have perpetuated misrule in Burma that, tragically, may result in the deaths of innocent men, women and children in the cyclone’s aftermath. 

“The United Nations has a chance to demonstrate its relevancy in mustering an effective response to the SPDC’s intransigence.  They should not miss their opportunity to do so.”

Senator Gregg’s amendment also includes language to ensure that none of the $225 million goes to the repressive State Peace and Development Council in Burma.