[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       OVERCOMING EXTREME POVERTY

                                 ______


                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today, October 17, is the World Day To 
Overcome Extreme Poverty. In thousands of cities, towns, and villages 
across the United States and around the world, the poorest people, and 
those who stand beside them, will be solemnly recommitting themselves 
to the task of ending extreme poverty.
  The first observance of October 17 took place in Paris in 1987. It 
was made possible by a partnership between extremely poor families and 
a man named Joseph Wresinski. Together, they founded the Fourth World 
Movement, which is now an international anti-poverty organization whose 
activities span the globe.
  Around the world, there are 1.3 billion people living with little 
other than a dream of a better future. Their dreams are usually not for 
themselves, but for their children. It is our job as their fellow human 
beings, and as elected leaders, to recognize those dreams and to take 
up our full responsibilities in seeing that they become a reality. The 
poorest people are ready to join us in building a better world. It is 
only with their cooperation and partnership that we can succeed.
  Today, we must resolve to work with these poor families to put an end 
to extreme poverty, just as apartheid and slavery have been abolished. 
Today, we must resolve that never again should a single man, woman, or 
child be condemned to the silence and uselessness that extreme poverty 
entails.
   I hope that Members will join me in observing October 17, the World 
Day To Overcome Extreme Poverty.

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