For Immediate Release … Rep. Coffman on Upcoming H.Res. 128 Vote

Rep. Coffman on Upcoming H.Res. 128 Vote

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) released the following statement after receiving notification that the House of Representatives will hold a vote this April on House Resolution 128, titled ‘Supporting respect for human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia’:

“Today’s announcement that the House will take a vote on H.Res.128 this April, is a testament to countless hours of hard work, by all those involved, and the unwavering fight for the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia. Hundreds of thousands of dollars spent by the Ethiopian government proved futile in the fight to do what is right. I join the many voices back home and Ethiopia in thanking Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for his support in getting this to the House floor.”

Background: Representative Coffman has been a strong supporter of House Resolution 128, which unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017. The resolution condemns the Ethiopian security services for their use of excessive force that has resulted in the deaths of protesters and wrongful arrests of activist and political opponents of the regime.

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House Resolution 128 Scheduled for a Vote

Today, Amhara Association of America received communication from the Office of the Majority Leader that during Secretary Tillerson’s visit to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Government made no commitment to allow the United Nations access to investigate human rights abuses in the country. Therefore, the Majority Leader has decided to schedule House Resolution 128 for a vote before the full House the week of April 9^th.

1. Res. 128: Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia is a monumental achievement for Amharas who have worked tirelessly for two years to shed light on the human rights atrocities Amharas have endured under the TPLF regime. H. Res. 128 acknowledges the dire humanitarian conditions in Ethiopia, the lack of political space for opposition parties, the decimation of non-governmental organizations, and calls on the State Department and Treasury to apply sanctions to individuals and organizations who have committed gross human rights violations as provided in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Amhara Association of America strongly believes H. Res. 128 will help move Ethiopia towards improvements in human rights, democracy, and stability.

Amhara Association of America would like to thank Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for his leadership and support for the Ethiopian people.

Amhara Association of America would like to thank Chairman Chris Smith for introducing H. Res. 128 and his continued support, friendship, and commitment to bring democracy to Ethiopia.

Amhara Association of America would like to thank Congressman Coffman for being the champion of H. Res. 128 and the Ethiopian people. Congressman Coffman put his political capital and the resources of his office behind H. Res. 128. We are forever indebted.

Amhara Association of America is coordinating a National Amhara Advocacy Campaign to bring additional co-sponsors for H. Res. 128. Participating organizations include:

Amhara Professionals Union (APU) Amhara Association in Seattle

Amhara People’s Civic Organization, Inc. (TX) San Diego Amhara Organization, Inc.

DMV Amhara Community Boston Amhara Organization

We have successfully added seven co-sponsors since the campaign began in February 2018.

Amhara Association of America asks all Amharas to join the National Amhara Advocacy Campaign and request their representative to co-sponsor H. Res. 128.

Together, we can make a difference for Amharas and all Ethiopians!!!