[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2634-E2635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   H.R. 2017, THE TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005.
  Building on great legislation originally introduced by former 
Minnesota Senator David Durenburger, this bill further enhances the 
work that was started nearly a decade ago. The Torture Victims Relief 
Reauthorization Act reauthorizes funding for both domestic and foreign 
treatment centers for victims of torture, as well as the United Nations 
Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Minnesota is the home of the world-
renowned Center for Victims of Torture. The work being done at the 
Center by Mr. Doug Johnson and his extremely qualified, compassionate 
staff is changing the lives of thousands of people around the world. 
The Center not only works directly with survivors of torture, but they 
also train American and International professionals, who return to 
their communities with the skills needed to better assist victims in 
rebuilding their lives. Through the work of the Center for Victims of 
Torture, and other centers like it, survivors of torture are able to 
reclaim their dignity, their hope, and their futures.
  For years, Minnesotans have committed themselves to providing a safe 
haven for people who have been victims of torture. This is why I, along 
with so many of my constituents, am so deeply disturbed by recent media 
reports that the U.S. government might be the source of violence 
similar to what these victims of torture have suffered. I am extremely 
disappointed by the Bush Administration's strong opposition, earlier 
this month, to a provision added to the Senate Fiscal Year 2006 Defense 
Authorization bill. That provision would ban the use of torture and 
cruel, and inhumane treatment by members of the U.S.

[[Page E2635]]

military, and would clearly demonstrate our country's commitment to 
defending human rights. To even suggest that the U.S. government would 
condone the use of torture should shame every one of us in this House. 
Members of my community in Minnesota stand in shock and disbelief at 
the mere suggestion that our government would seek approval for acts 
similar to those that have shattered their own lives.
  America must remain a beacon of hope and justice in this world. It 
must be our role as policymakers to restore our nation's reputation and 
our role in promoting peace and democracy around the world. We cannot 
allow the fear of the unknown to force our country to turn from our 
long record of upholding and strengthening the human rights of all 
people everywhere. Our citizens deserve a better path to security. The 
best way to restore our Nation's reputation and ensure the safety of 
Americans, and people everywhere, is to promote human rights, hope and 
opportunity across the globe. This bill helps to restore our reputation 
by aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives devastated by 
torture.

  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and would like to thank 
Representative Chris Smith for his tireless work in supporting victims 
of torture, by introducing this reauthorization. I would also like to 
thank Ranking Member Lantos and Chairman Hyde for their strong support 
of this vital legislation in the House International Relations 
Committee. In addition, this bill would not be what it is today without 
the amazing and inspiring work of Doug Johnson, John Salzberg, their 
associates at the Center for Victims of Torture, and all those working 
in the field around the world. It is my hope that this bill allows 
their good work to continue for years to come.

                          ____________________