[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING STRENGTH OF IRAQI AND AFGHAN WOMEN IN DEVELOPING 
                              DEMOCRACIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as a member of the 
Congressional Iraqi Women's Caucus, I am honored to recognize the 
bravery and strength of Iraqi and Afghan women today in developing 
democracies. In the face of great danger, the women of Iraq and 
Afghanistan are displaying tremendous courage.
  In January, Iraqi women risked their lives to participate in Iraq's 
first free elections in over 50 years. After the votes were tallied, 
their bravery was rewarded, as over one-third of Iraq's newly elected 
legislators are women.
  The liberation of Iraq delivered hope and a future to Iraqi women, 
and they are helping to turn the promises of democracy into realities 
for their children and grandchildren. Today, a group of Iraqi and 
Afghan women are visiting the halls of Congress. I am pleased to 
celebrate their accomplishments and encourage them to continue their 
work for freedom and democracy.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

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