Media Contact 202-226-8467

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul, Republican Leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the below statement on the administration’s announcement to remove Sudan from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, paving the way for increased U.S. – Sudan cooperation, as well as the announcement of normalization between Sudan and Israel.

“I commend the Trump Administration and the Government of Sudan for this monumental announcement. After a dark history of harboring Osama Bin Laden and facilitating terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens, this delisting represents a new chapter in U.S.-Sudan relations. We stand with the Sudanese people, who tirelessly struggled to see a civilian-led, democratic government. It is my hope that improved relations with Sudan will strengthen cooperation on key economic and security priorities. 

“I also welcome the announcement of a settlement agreement to compensate for the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania and the U.S.S Cole bombing. Congress must act quickly to pass bipartisan legislation led by Senator Coons to secure long overdue compensation for the victims and their families. 

“Finally, I am pleased that Sudan is the third state to announce normalization of relations with Israel in less than three months. I am confident that diplomatic relations between Israel and Sudan will greatly benefit both peoples, and I look forward to seeing the fruits that this cooperation bears. I applaud both countries for this courageous step, and the Administration for their work to broker another landmark agreement.”

###