[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 91 (Friday, July 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1249-E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2000

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4811) making 
     appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
     related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2001, and for other purposes.

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I join with my colleagues 
from Vermont, New Jersey, and New York in support of women and children 
around the world and rise in strong support of the Sanders/Smith/
Slaughter/Maloney amendment.
  This amendment increases USAID's Development Assistance Account by 
$2.5 million dollars to assist non-governmental organizations in 
providing shelter and reintegration assistance to the millions of women 
and children who are victims of international trafficking.
  The exploitation of our world's women and children in trafficking is 
a tragic human rights offense.
  Many of these women and children are kidnaped, sold, or tricked into 
captivity. Instead of dreams of better jobs, better lives, they are 
trapped into a monstrous ordeal of coercion, violence, and disease. It 
is important that we protect and assist the victims of trafficking once 
they are rescued from their nightmare.
  Shelters are needed so that victims have a temporary and safe place 
to stay, and where they can obtain medical services.

[[Page E1250]]

  This amendment provides the much needed funds for buildings, 
resources and personnel that will temporarily care for victims, but it 
also provides resources to provide for the long term assistance that is 
required for complete reintegration of the victims.
  The victims of trafficking, especially the victims of sex trafficking 
are often stigmatized and rejected by their families and communities.
  Without the long term assistance, counseling, and follow up, many of 
these women and children are often left alone and remain at high risk 
and some of them are even re-trafficked.
  Of course, there is more that needs to be done to stop the many human 
rights abuses inflicted on women and children around the world.
  For many months, I have been exploring ways to stop the sex tourism 
industry, especially targeting U.S.-based businesses.
  When I learned that a sex tourism business was operating in my 
hometown of New York City, I held a press conference urging the Queens 
DA to take action against this business.
  In addition, I have contacted the Attorney General, Janet Reno, about 
strengthening current federal laws which already address sex tourism.
  We must prevent trafficking and punish the predators that profit from 
the exploitation of women and children.
  This amendment takes a significant step toward making a difference in 
the lives of women and children around the world.
  Once again I commend my colleagues for introducing this amendment and 
providing assistance to victims of trafficking and urge a Yes vote on 
the Sanders/Smith/Slaughter/Maloney amendment.

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