H.R. 2017, The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005
H.R. 2017, THE TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 22, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2005
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005.
Building on great legislation originally introduced by former Minnesota Senator David Durenburger, this bill further enhances the work that was started nearly a decade ago. The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act reauthorizes funding for both domestic and foreign treatment centers for victims of torture, as well as the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Minnesota is the home of the world-renowned Center for Victims of Torture. The work being done at the Center by Mr. Doug Johnson and his extremely qualified, compassionate staff is changing the lives of thousands of people around the world. The Center not only works directly with survivors of torture, but they also train American and International professionals, who return to their communities with the skills needed to better assist victims in rebuilding their lives. Through the work of the Center for Victims of Torture, and other centers like it, survivors of torture are able to reclaim their dignity, their hope, and their futures.
For years, Minnesotans have committed themselves to providing a safe haven for people who have been victims of torture. This is why I, along with so many of my constituents, am so deeply disturbed by recent media reports that the U.S. government might be the source of violence similar to what these victims of torture have suffered. I am extremely disappointed by the Bush Administration's strong opposition, earlier this month, to a provision added to the Senate Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization bill. That provision would ban the use of torture and cruel, and inhumane treatment by members of the U.S. military, and would clearly demonstrate our country's commitment to defending human rights. To even suggest that the U.S. government would condone the use of torture should shame every one of us in this House. Members of my community in Minnesota stand in shock and disbelief at the mere suggestion that our government would seek approval for acts similar to those that have shattered their own lives.
America must remain a beacon of hope and justice in this world. It must be our role as policymakers to restore our nation's reputation and our role in promoting peace and democracy around the world. We cannot allow the fear of the unknown to force our country to turn from our long record of upholding and strengthening the human rights of all people everywhere. Our citizens deserve a better path to security. The best way to restore our Nation's reputation and ensure the safety of Americans, and people everywhere, is to promote human rights, hope and opportunity across the globe. This bill helps to restore our reputation by aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives devastated by torture.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and would like to thank Representative CHRIS SMITH for his tireless work in supporting victims of torture, by introducing this reauthorization. I would also like to thank Ranking Member LANTOS and Chairman HYDE for their strong support of this vital legislation in the House International Relations Committee. In addition, this bill would not be what it is today without the amazing and inspiring work of Doug Johnson, John Salzberg, their associates at the Center for Victims of Torture, and all those working in the field around the world. It is my hope that this bill allows their good work to continue for years to come.
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