[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 156 (Wednesday, December 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of 
H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Relief Authorization Act.
  I am especially proud that the first Center for Victims of Torture in 
the United States is located in Minnesota. Minnesota's Center for 
Victims of Torture is certainly one of the premier centers for torture 
survivors in the entire world.
  Minnesota is home to about 30,000 victims of torture, and there are 
some 500,000 victims of torture in our country. Even though people are 
becoming increasingly aware of the issue of torture, support and 
treatment for the victims have often been lacking.
  That's where the center, with its excellent leadership, comes in. We 
in Minnesota have learned much, and now we want to bring that 
leadership, and the path-breaking work of the center, to the rest of 
the country.
  Mr. Speaker, this important legislation provides support for 
Minnesota's Center for Victims of Torture and will enable our world-
renowned Center to continue providing rehabilitation and other critical 
services to victims of torture.
  All Minnesotans can be proud of our Center for Victims of Torture, 
which helps victims of torture recover from their horrific pain, 
suffering and scars.
  Mr. Speaker, the issues of torture and human rights have finally 
penetrated the global consciousness, and I urge my colleagues to 
support passage of this important legislation.

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