Support For H.R. 1678

Floor Speech

SUPPORT FOR H.R. 1678 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 14, 2007)

* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 1678, The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007. This legislation continues and improves a much needed and valuable safety net to help victims of torture recover from their trauma and rebuild successful lives.

* Every member of this body knows that torture is a tool used to enforce a level of terror among preyed upon people. Not only can the physical scars of torture last forever, the emotional pain experienced by victims can last a lifetime. Frequently, the aim of brutal torture is not to kill the victim, but to break their will. Victims are humiliated, crippled, traumatized and then returned to their communities as a brutal message of intimidation to others. In many instances, doctors and medical personnel participate during torture sessions to ensure the victim will not die. Groups that sanction, sponsor and commit torture focus on inflicting terror, intimidation and fear on entire communities.

* But through appropriate help, services and intervention, victims of torture can heal. The Torture Victims Relief Act provides critical funds to improve access to the health, legal and social services critical to victims and their families through domestic treatment centers for rehabilitation and research and training for health care providers. H.R. 1678 also makes grants available to foreign countries to carry out projects that work to treat the psychological and physical effects of torture.

* Treatment is critical, but there is more that can be done. This legislation also creates a partnership by increasing funding for foreign treatment centers and strengthening our commitment to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. This bill sends a strong message to the international community that treating victims of torture is a priority for Congress, and that we welcome the support of our like-minded friends around the globe.

* This issue is important in my district. Minnesota is a new home for a growing number of immigrants and refugees and the late Senator Wellstone was a true champion for victims of torture. In addition, Minnesota is proud to be home to the Center for Victims of Torture--a world renowned center for the treatment and healing of torture victims.When the center opened in 1985, it became the first of its kind in the United States and only the third treatment center in the entire world. Today, with centers in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Washington, DC, Sierra Leone and Liberia, CVT is helping thousands of torture survivors from 60 countries.

* Madam Speaker, torture is a crime against humanity and unacceptable at any time, by any nation. Any nation that tortures or tolerates torture is truly not free. I strongly encourage all my colleagues to support this legislation and commend the gentleman from New Jersey for his commitment to this issue and his work on this bipartisan legislation.

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