[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN SHOULD APOLOGIZE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor I rise in 
strong support of H. Res. 121. This resolution expresses the sense of 
Congress that the Government of Japan should formally apologize for and 
acknowledge the role that some in the Japanese Government played in 
forcing women into sexual slavery during World War II.
  To date, the Government of Japan has failed to do this. This is a 
human rights issue that the gentleman from California, Mr. Honda, has 
championed for years. Along with other Members of this body I am truly 
proud to stand with him today in support of this resolution.
  Throughout the world's history, including World War II, cultures and 
societies have abused women, raped and enslaved them, and subjected 
them to forced sexual acts. The United States is not without its past 
atrocities and abuses, including the internment of Japanese Americans 
during World War II. However, if we recognize and acknowledge our 
mistakes as human beings we can learn from the past and reduce the 
occurrence of horrible acts. H. Res. 121 looks to provide recognition 
of past human rights abuses against the ``comfort women'' so Japan can 
move forward knowing it will never commit these acts again.

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