[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1270-E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF PASSAGE OF H. RES. 121

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2014

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 7th 
anniversary of the passage of H. Res. 121, an historic resolution which 
expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the 
Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept 
historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its 
Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, 
known to the world as `comfort women', during its colonial and wartime 
occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the 
duration of World War II.
  H. Res. 121 was passed on July 30, 2007, and I commend my good 
friend, Congressman Michael Honda of California, for introducing it. I 
admire his courage and devotion for causes that matter. As a Japanese-
American, he gave voice to this cause in a way no other could and, 
because of him, this Resolution stands as a testament of his advocacy 
for and on behalf of those who suffer.
  I also commend Dong Suk Kim of Korean American Civic Empowerment 
(KACE) for his grassroots efforts in bolstering support for H. Res. 121 
which led to its successful passage. His contributions made a 
significant difference.
  I also commend the Honorable Nancy Pelosi. In my opinion, her 
decision to bring H. Res. 121 to the Floor for House consideration was 
the key factor that made passage possible. As the first woman in 
American history to serve as Speaker of the House, her clarion call for 
equality and empowerment for women is of consequence globally and 
historically. Her personal commitment to the women who still bear the 
scars from the Imperial Armed Force's coercion will never be forgotten.
  In 2007, it was my honor to hold the first hearing ever held on this 
sensitive issue. Although this legislation had been introduced in the 
U.S. Congress for more than a decade, including by my good friend, 
former Congressman Lane Evans, no Committee had ever held

[[Page E1271]]

a hearing on the matter. But, in 2007, I determined that my first 
action as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia 
and the Pacific would be to hold a hearing calling upon Japan to 
apologize for the war crimes its Imperial Armed Forces perpetuated 
against innocent young girls and women.
  Congressman Honda testified before the Subcommittee as did three 
survivors, including Ms. Yong Soo Lee, Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne, and Ms. 
Koon Ja Kim. I will never, ever forget the testimony of these three 
women. They remain my heroes. Because of their courage, an official 
record now stands forevermore on file with the U.S. House of 
Representatives that speaks the truth about what Japan's Imperial Armed 
Forces did to them. Their childhoods were stolen. Their destinies were 
disrupted. But their spirits were not broken because they know, like I 
know, that God will one day set everything right and justice will 
come--no matter what.
  And so, I pay tribute to Ms. Lee, Ms. O'Herne, Ms. Kim and all those 
they represented. It has been my honor to know them and also to know 
all my grandmothers at the House of Sharing. I wish God's sweetest 
blessings upon them.
  I also thank President Park Geun-hye, then a member of South Korea's 
National Assembly, for attending our Subcommittee hearing as an 
observer. The Subcommittee was extraordinarily honored to welcome her. 
Her presence at the hearing honored every young girl and woman ever 
victimized by Japan's Imperial Armed Forces.
  While I strongly urge the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge 
and apologize in order to begin the reconciliation process, I bear no 
animosity or ill-will towards the people of Japan. If given the choice, 
I believe the people of Japan would also call for its government to 
apologize for the atrocities its Imperial Armed Forces committed 
against innocent young girls and women. But, regrettably, the 
Government of Japan chooses to whitewash its history. However, sooner 
or later, truth will prevail. Until it does, I will continue to do 
everything I can to bring increasing awareness to this issue.

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