Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Establish U.S.-Sudan Natural Resources Partnership to Protect Civilians in Region

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 10795 , the Sudan IMPACT Act, to establish an agricultural and minerals partnership between the United States and Sudan, tied to Sudanese improvements in civilian protection. The Sudan Investing in Minerals, Partnership, Agriculture, Commerce, and Trade (IMPACT) Act would provide American agricultural and mining equipment, technology, and expertise in exchange for Sudanese natural resources. The partnership is contingent upon the U.S. Secretary of State determining that Sudan has demonstrated significant progress in civilian protection, political stability, and responsible management of natural resources. “Sudan’s civil war is devastating lives and holding back its future. Economic opportunity could play a major role in helping the Sudanese people build a more peaceful and prosperous country, but protecting civilians must come first,” said Congressman Baird . “Sudan’s mineral resources could help expand the supply of materials we use in technologies that Americans rely on every day, like phones and cars, while creating opportunities for the Sudanese. This legislation offers a path toward greater economic cooperation with the United States, provided Sudan’s government shows real progress in protecting its people,” Baird added. The partnership could include farm equipment, precision agriculture and irrigation technology, agricultural processing equipment, mining and geological surveying technology, and assistance to improve mine safety and environmental cleanup. Read the full bill text here .