[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 79 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR H.R. 1678

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 14, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H.R. 1678, The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act 
of 2007. This legislation continues and improves a much needed and 
valuable safety net to help victims of torture recover from their 
trauma and rebuild successful lives.
  Every member of this body knows that torture is a tool used to 
enforce a level of terror among preyed upon people. Not only can the 
physical scars of torture last forever, the emotional pain experienced 
by victims can last a lifetime. Frequently, the aim of brutal torture 
is not to kill the victim, but to break their will. Victims are 
humiliated, crippled, traumatized and then returned to their 
communities as a brutal message of intimidation to others. In many 
instances, doctors and medical personnel participate during torture 
sessions to ensure the victim will not die. Groups that sanction, 
sponsor and commit torture focus on inflicting terror, intimidation and 
fear on entire communities.
  But through appropriate help, services and intervention, victims of 
torture can heal. The Torture Victims Relief Act provides critical 
funds to improve access to the health, legal and social services 
critical to victims and their families through domestic treatment 
centers for rehabilitation and research and training for health care 
providers. H.R. 1678 also makes grants available to foreign countries 
to carry out projects that work to treat the psychological and physical 
effects of torture.
  Treatment is critical, but there is more that can be done. This 
legislation also creates a partnership by increasing funding for 
foreign treatment centers and strengthening our commitment to the 
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. This bill sends a 
strong message to the international community that treating victims of 
torture is a priority for Congress, and that we welcome the support of 
our like-minded friends around the globe.
  This issue is important in my district. Minnesota is a new home for a 
growing number of immigrants and refugees and the late Senator 
Wellstone was a true champion for victims of torture. In addition, 
Minnesota is proud to be home to the Center for Victims of Torture--a 
world renowned center for the treatment and healing of torture 
victims.When the center opened in 1985, it became the first of its kind 
in the United States and only the third treatment center in the entire 
world. Today, with centers in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Washington, DC, 
Sierra Leone and Liberia, CVT is helping thousands of torture survivors 
from 60 countries.
  Madam Speaker, torture is a crime against humanity and unacceptable 
at any time, by any nation. Any nation that tortures or tolerates 
torture is truly not free. I strongly encourage all my colleagues to 
support this legislation and commend the gentleman from New Jersey for 
his commitment to this issue and his work on this bipartisan 
legislation.

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