[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 69 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
1678, the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007, 
legislation which provides grants for medical centers that administer 
therapeutic treatment for victims of torture.
  Currently, there are approximately 400,000 victims of torture who 
reside in the United States, all of whom live with painful memories of 
their trauma. America's torture treatment centers provide crucial 
recuperative services to these individuals who have suffered both 
physically and mentally, often while serving our country.
  Victims of torture are in a unique position, requiring ongoing 
psychiatric counseling as well as physical therapy. These individuals 
carry the scars of their torture on their bodies and minds, and require 
years of support to overcome these wounds.
  In my district and home-town of Chicago, the Marjorie Kovler Center 
for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture provides comprehensive, 
community-based services in which survivors of governmental or 
political torture work together with specialists to identify individual 
needs and overcome barriers to healing. At the Marjorie Kovler Center, 
patients find a welcoming and accepting environment which nurtures the 
body and mind, allowing individuals to successfully transition back 
into healthy social relationships. This crucial organization generously 
provides all of its services free of charge to its patients, and 
centers like it across the country utilize the funding provided in this 
legislation to deliver services and care to countless victims of 
torture.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to co-sponsor and support H.R. 1678. This 
legislation bolsters the therapeutic network for torture victims who 
have suffered tremendously, and are in great need of care. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting the organizations that serve the 
men and women who are living with the mental and physical scars of 
torture by voting for H.R. 1678, the Torture Victims Relief 
Reauthorization Act of 2007.

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