[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 17788-17793]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     ENCOURAGING TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF IRAQ TO ADOPT A 
                CONSTITUTION GRANTING WOMEN EQUAL RIGHTS

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 383) encouraging the Transitional National 
Assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights 
under the law and to work to protect such rights.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 383

       Whereas the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq systematically 
     violated the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the 
     Iraqi people;
       Whereas on April 9, 2003, United States and coalition 
     forces brought an end to the regime of Saddam Hussein;
       Whereas on June 28, 2004, an Iraqi interim government was 
     sworn in after sovereignty was restored;
       Whereas in Iraq's January 2005 parliamentary elections, 
     more than 2,000 women ran for office and currently 31 percent 
     of the seats in Iraq's National Assembly are occupied by 
     women;
       Whereas women lead the Iraqi ministries of Displacement and 
     Migration, Telecommunications, Municipalities and Public 
     Works, Environment, Science and Technology, and Women's 
     Affairs;
       Whereas United States Government-sponsored programs are 
     helping Iraqi women develop in multiple areas from literacy, 
     computer and vocational training, to human rights education 
     and election training;
       Whereas through grants funded by the United States 
     Government's Iraqi Women's Democracy Initiative, 
     nongovernmental organizations are providing training in 
     political leadership, communications, coalition-building 
     skills, voter education, constitution drafting, legal reform, 
     and the legislative process;
       Whereas a 275-member Transitional National Assembly, which 
     is charged with the responsibility of drafting a new 
     constitution, was elected to serve as Iraq's national 
     legislature for a transition period.
       Whereas Article 12 of Iraq's Transitional Administrative 
     Law states that ``[a]ll Iraqis [are] equal in their rights 
     without regard to gender . . . and they are equal before the 
     law'';
       Whereas Article 12 of the Transitional Administrative Law 
     further states that ``[d]iscrimination against an Iraqi 
     citizen on the basis of his gender . . . is prohibited'';
       Whereas on May 10, 2005, Iraq's National Assembly appointed 
     a 55-member committee, composed of Assembly members, to begin 
     drafting a permanent constitution for Iraq;
       Whereas in visits with legislators and officials of the 
     Government of the United States, Iraqi women have raised 
     perceived limitations on their rights in a current draft of 
     the Iraqi constitution;
       Whereas the central principles of a true democracy, 
     ``liberty and justice for all'', ``equal justice under law'', 
     and ``government of the people, by the people and for the 
     people'' apply equally to women;
       Whereas, in the words of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day 
     O'Connor: ``[s]ociety as a whole benefits immeasurably from a 
     climate in which all persons, regardless of race or gender, 
     may have the opportunity to earn respect, responsibility, 
     advancement and remuneration based on ability'';
       Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the 
     commitment and dedication of the United States to ensure that 
     the full rights of women are granted in the Iraqi 
     constitution;
       Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the need to 
     affirm the spirit and free the energies of women in Iraq who 
     have spent countless hours, years, and lifetimes working for 
     the basic human right of equal constitutional protection; and
       Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the risks 
     Iraqi women have faced in working for the future of their 
     country and admire their courageous commitment to democracy: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends United States and coalition forces in 
     liberating the Iraqi people from the repressive regime of 
     Saddam Hussein and their ongoing efforts in support of the 
     freedom and stability of Iraq;
       (2) recognizes the progress achieved by the Iraqi people 
     toward the establishment of a representative democratic 
     government;
       (3) recognizes the importance of ensuring women in Iraq 
     have equal rights under the law and in society;
       (4) recognizes the commitment and dedication of the 
     Administration to ensuring the full rights of women are 
     granted in the Iraqi constitution;
       (5) strongly encourages Iraq's Transitional National 
     Assembly to adopt a constitution that grants women equal 
     rights under the law and to work to protect such rights; and
       (6) pledges to support the efforts of Iraqi women to fully 
     participate in a democratic Iraq.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

                              {time}  1315


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important resolution. 
It supports the full participation of Iraqi women in the political, in 
the economic, and in the social life of a free Iraq on the path to 
democratic governance.
  Today Iraq stands in stark contrast to Iraq under Saddam Hussein. 
While Saddam Hussein's brutal regime indiscriminately slaughtered 
Iraqis, the women were among the most vulnerable. The notorious 
Fedayeen beheaded women in public, dumping their severed heads at their 
families' footsteps. The regime used widespread rape to extract 
confessions from the detainees. Saddam Hussein's legacy of terror knew 
no boundaries.
  In assessing the progress achieved and the U.S. contributions to the 
empowerment of Iraqi women, I look to leaders such as Dr. Khuzai, who 
served as a member of the Iraqi Governing Council and the National 
Council on Women. After being prisoners in their own country for 35 
years, Dr. Khuzai said, ``For the Iraqi women, the morale is so high 
that you can't even understand it unless you go and see. We will be 
grateful forever.''
  I was fortunate, Mr. Speaker, to have the opportunity to visit Iraq 
as part of an historic all-female congressional delegation. We met with 
women from all sectors and all educational backgrounds, and the message 
we heard from all of these women was very clear, that they want a say, 
they want a role, they want to participate, and they want us to help 
them get there.

[[Page 17789]]

  To achieve this end, the U.S. is helping Iraqi women reintegrate 
themselves into Iraqi society and to the outside world. The 
administration embarked on the Iraqi Women's Democracy Initiative to 
train Iraqi women in the skills and practices of democratic public 
life. It also established the U.S. Iraqi Women's Network, helping to 
mobilize the private sector in the United States and to link important 
resources here to critical needs on the ground.
  The administration continues to provide assistance and sponsors 
programs that help Iraqi women develop in multiple areas, from literacy 
programs and vocational training to human rights education and election 
training.
  Recently we saw the fruits of our efforts as countless Iraqi women 
went to the polls to have their voices heard.
  The resolution that we are considering here today, Mr. Speaker, 
highlights the many advances of the status of women in Iraq since 
Saddam's deposition, and particularly the fact that women today lead 
the Iraqi Ministries of Displacement and Migration, Telecommunications, 
Municipalities and Public Works, Environment, Science and Technology, 
and Women's Affairs.
  However, as with every incipient democracy, particularly in a country 
that does not have a history of democratic governance to pull from or a 
regional basis of cooperation or comparison, much more needs to be 
done. It is, therefore, important for the United States Congress to 
express support for the Iraqi constitutional process and share the 
wisdom of our own experience by underscoring the importance of securing 
equal rights for women in Iraq, in their bill of rights, and the 
overall constitutional framework.
  This resolution does just that, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my 
colleagues, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) for introducing 
this important measure, and all of our other colleagues who have worked 
on this, and I highlight the assistance of the gentleman from Illinois 
(Chairman Hyde), the gentleman from California (Ranking Member Lantos), 
and the leadership in bringing it to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, 
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I first would like to congratulate and commend my good 
friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), our distinguished 
colleague, for introducing this important resolution. I also want to 
commend the chairman of our Subcommittee on the Middle East, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), my good friend, for 
assisting in this very important debate on the Republican side.
  Mr. Speaker, we have all read with dismay reports of Iraqi 
constitutional drafts that diminish and derogate women's rights to the 
dictates of clerics and religious law. Our country and the other 
democratic countries in the coalition that continue to have their men 
and women fighting for freedom in Iraq cannot now remain silent as some 
seek to oppose equal rights for women in Iraq.
  While the Iraqi people must decide the proper role of religion in 
their society, we have been disturbed to hear reports that some are 
proposing that Iraqi law would be governed by the Islamic religious 
code. A country, Mr. Speaker, can be religious, yet reflect 
internationally accepted norms.
  When the new Afghan Constitution was adopted, although it is far from 
perfect from a Western perspective, it does prohibit discrimination 
against any citizen of Afghanistan, including, of course, women. The 
Afghan Constitution provides that women and men have equal rights 
before the law. The Afghan Constitution also endorses Afghanistan's 
international obligations, which protect women's rights under uniform 
international standards, all this, Mr. Speaker, in a country that is 
dramatically more conservative than Iraq.
  Now, fortunately, drafts of constitutions are not final text, and I 
have every faith that the Iraqi people will allow good sense to prevail 
on this issue before the final text is submitted 2 weeks from now.
  Similar issues arose about the role of religion during the drafting 
of the Transitional Administrative Law in Iraq last year. There was, 
for example, considerable concern about the prospect that Islamic law 
would be enshrined as the primary source of Iraqi legislation. 
Nevertheless, cooler heads prevailed, and the Transitional 
Administrative Law which emerged was balanced and liberal in its 
nature.
  In fact, as the resolution offered by our colleague, the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Granger), points out, the Transitional Administrative 
Law contains an article ensuring Iraqis' equal rights, prohibiting 
discrimination, without regard to gender. I have faith that Iraq's 
Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers next month will affirm that 
wisdom from the Transitional Administrative Law.
  But I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, that our House of 
Representatives, speaking on behalf of the American people, affirm that 
wisdom as well. It is crucial that all Iraqis know that our commitment 
to their freedom and equality is unwavering and unqualified by 
religion, race, and gender.
  That is why I support, Mr. Speaker, this resolution very strongly, 
and I urge all of my colleagues to do likewise.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Granger), the author of this resolution.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I have often had the opportunity to speak 
on this floor on important issues, but none more important than this, 
because today I am honored to sponsor this resolution in support of the 
rights of all Iraqis.
  It has been said that a nation reveals its character by the values it 
upholds. In planting the seed of democracy in the deserts of the Middle 
East, the United States and our allies hope for a rich harvest of 
freedom for the people of Iraq. Having removed the dictator, the allies 
have moved to put Iraqis in control of Iraq. Now, as they draft and 
ratify their Constitution, we will indeed see the character of a new 
Iraqi nation revealed through the principles it chooses to uphold.
  That is why I urge the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly to create 
a government worthy of its people, a government that represents every 
Iraqi from every corner of Iraq, be they Sunni or Shia, rich or poor, 
male or female.
  Human rights are not a privilege granted by the few, they are a 
liberty entitled to all, and human rights, by definition, include the 
rights of all humans, those in the dawn of life, the dusk of life, or 
the shadows of life.
  Mr. Speaker, the women of Iraq have waited long enough. Having lived 
in the shadows of Saddam's Iraq, they are eager for the sunlight of a 
new nation and a new way of life. I have met these women, and I have 
felt their courage. I have spoken to them, and, more important, I have 
listened to them. I have heard more than their words, I have heard 
their dreams; dreams of a peaceful nation where they can raise their 
children and make decisions on their own and take part in society.
  Mr. Speaker, a free nation must be based on human rights. Just as our 
Founding Fathers built a new Republic based on life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness, so, too, the Iraqi nation must choose to uphold 
the values of human rights for all. Indeed, most Iraqis seem to want 
this.
  In the run-up to the historic January 30 election, Iraqis insisted 
that every third name on the ballot had to be that of a woman. The 
result? Upon election, 31 percent of the Transitional National 
Assembly's membership was female, nearly double the membership of the 
U.S. Congress.
  By any definition, this would be quite an achievement. But to 
understand where Iraq's women are, consider where they have been. To 
know the horrors of Saddam, look at how Saddam treated the most 
vulnerable. In Saddam's Iraq, women were abused and assaulted, beaten 
and battered, raped and relegated to second-class citizens. In Saddam's 
Iraq, women could not own property; they were property.

[[Page 17790]]

  Truly, Saddam Hussein was a criminal crying out for international 
intervention. And these are people, the Iraqi women, crying out for 
freedom.
  History will record that Saddam got what he deserved. The question 
is, will Iraqi women get what they deserve, what they have earned, what 
they demand?
  When I met with 20 of these women just weeks before the January 
election, they explained that because they were women, they were 
virtual targets of the people trying to stop the elections, because 
they were running for office. More than half had had members of their 
families kidnapped or assassinated. Almost all had to have bodyguards. 
Many had been in exile for years because of their beliefs, their 
education, and their choice to have a career. Yet they persevered.
  They persevered because they knew their election was proof that 
freedom works, and they persevered because they knew that the more 
women elected, the less the chance of a Saddam- style policy toward 
women would ever again come to Iraq.

                              {time}  1330

  Proudly, defiantly, and amazingly, these women had the courage of 
their convictions and changed history. Some of the very women we met 
with before the election who were so fearful of the outcome and 
proposed violence led their village walking miles to cast their votes.
  Then weeks after that vote, I led another delegation to join 150 
Iraqi women who were leaders in their communities and their sects who 
came to a conference to hear us talk about the principles and practices 
of democracy.
  Women all over Iraq were given the opportunity to apply to be a part 
of that conference. Do the women of Iraq want democracy? Well, 1,200 of 
them signed applications hoping to be chosen for this conference. That 
is right: 1,200 Iraqi women put their names in a document stating who 
they were and where they lived, that they wanted to learn about 
democracy from the United States of America.
  But while the election of so many Iraqi women last January gives us 
great hope, recent reports about the drafting of the constitution give 
us great concerns. With so many reports and rumors, perhaps it is best 
to take inventory of what we know, as well as what we fear.
  We know that Islam allows for rights for women, but we fear the 
interpretation of religious law might unfairly discriminate against 
women. We know that a policy of equal rights for women in the 
constitution would safeguard Iraqi women today and for generations to 
come, but we fear that extremist elements might prevent the passage of 
such a constitutional protection.
  And we note that the surest way to limit the future and the progress 
of Iraq is to limit the rights and protections of women. But we fear 
that women may not be allowed even basic rights on matters of marriage, 
divorce, economic opportunity, or political involvement.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Iraq deserve better and the women of Iraq 
demand more. Let me be blunt. American troops have come so far, 
sacrificed so much, persevered so long to see the tyranny of an 
unlawful dictator replaced by the tyranny of legal oppression for 
women. A free Iraq must be free for all Iraqis.
  A democracy in the Middle East must be more than a democracy in name 
only; it must live out its principles. Freedom is not something that 
can be limited or divided or restricted. It applies to anyone and 
everyone anywhere and everywhere.
  So I put forward this resolution and urge my colleagues not to just 
stand with me but to stand with the women of Iraq, stand with women 
everywhere who desire the freedom that we fought for and continue to 
fight for in Iraq.
  Those brave women are writing bold new chapters in the story of 
freedom. In doing so, they are part of an ever-growing, ever-evolving 
story.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Tauscher), my good friend and distinguished colleague, 
coauthor of this resolution.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my deep concern over the 
rights of women in Iraq and urge adoption of this resolution. I am very 
pleased to join my colleagues, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) 
and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) who are my cochairs in 
the Iraqi Women's Caucus.
  I know they share my unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of 
our efforts to stabilize Iraq. As we speak, the Iraqi Constitution is 
being drafted, and preliminary drafts are being circulated around 
Baghdad and in the United States.
  This is the real test of our efforts to bring democracy and stability 
to Iraq. My colleagues and I have spent countless hours in Iraq, in 
Jordan prior to the January 30 election, meeting with women candidates, 
and here in Washington meeting with some of the winners of Iraqi women 
whose rights are now apparently under attack from extremists in their 
own country.
  The attempts by fundamentalists to insert Sharia, a restrictive form 
of Islamic law, into the constitution, represents an aggressive and 
intolerable assault on women's rights. The current transitional 
administrative law states that Islam is to be considered a source of 
legislation, but not the only source, and that discrimination against 
an Iraqi citizen of gender is prohibited.
  But current drafts of the new constitution provide legal rights for 
women as long as they do not violate Islamic law. Many Iraqi women 
fear, as we do, that enshrining Sharia would sharply curb women's 
rights in matters such as divorce, family inheritance, travel, 
professional opportunities, and other areas.
  One draft of the constitution also lifted the requirement that at 
least 25 percent of the Iraqi parliament be women. We cannot allow 
these drafts to be the final word on August 15. We cannot bring liberty 
and freedom to only half of Iraq's population, the men.
  We owe to it the American men and women in uniform who have lost 
their lives and to the people of Iraq that we do all we can to protect 
women's rights in that country.
  Today we have an opportunity to demonstrate that Americans will stand 
strong in support of Iraqi women and their efforts to fully participate 
in their new democracy. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she might consume to 
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time and for his extraordinary leadership on human rights for people 
around the world.
  And I know that he joins his voice, his strength, his wisdom in 
working with the Iraqi Women's Caucus to do absolutely everything to 
protect the women in Iraq.
  Today's USA news report has an article that states that the 
government may designate Islam Sharia as a main source of legislation 
in the country according to a draft. This is incredibly troubling that 
the rights of women may be turned back. It would be a terrible step for 
the women if their rights are actually restricted under this new 
constitution.
  This resolution which we are sending to the government is 
tremendously important, and I would like to be associated with the 
comments on both sides of the aisle.
  Just last week, we met with women leaders from Iraq. Two of them were 
official members of the government, and they were major leaders in 
their communities. They expressed their tremendous concern, and they 
appealed to us to keep their names confidential, showing the fear that 
they feel for retaliation.
  I have corresponded with several Iraqi women. One was murdered, 
another one had a tremendous threat on her life, and they are working 
with incredible strength for their country and for the rights of their 
families.
  I would say that any country that protects their women is a stronger 
country, and Iraq will be a stronger country if women are able to 
preserve their position. One of the women we met with was a 
professional, and she had been denied her job.

[[Page 17791]]

  Under Sharia, women will lose many of the rights that they already 
have. As one of them said to me, and I quote: ``It is horrible. We are 
concerned. You must do something. The time is now.''
  August 15 they will be coming forward with the final draft. They will 
be voting in October, and we must move forward. Just yesterday, along 
with 40 of my colleagues, I sent a letter to President Bush urging him 
and the State Department to do everything they possibly can to 
encourage the drafters of the constitution to include specific rights 
for women, thereby ensuring their equality and their full participation 
in the new Iraq country.
  Under the former regime, they were educated, participated in the 
workforce, and played a role in the government. And since the end of 
the Saddam Hussein dictatorship, women have served and are serving in 
the national assembly as cabinet members and in local governments 
across their country.
  I have had the opportunity twice to visit Iraq, to visit our 
soldiers, to meet with officials, and always to meet with women 
leaders. They are concerned. They are working hard, and with like-
minded men are trying to preserve their role.
  If they lose their position in the constitution, it will be 
incredibly difficult to reverse that. So it is critically important, 
and it would be a tragic irony if women now began to lose ground. There 
might be full participation and equal treatment under the law for women 
in Iraq, and I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I 
hope they will join the Women's Iraqi Caucus in expressing our strong 
support and solidarity with the women of Iraq as they fight for the 
rights to which they are entitled.
  I would just like to close that it would be really a tragedy beyond 
words if women lose their standing in the constitution and lose the 
firm grounded protection of a constitution. This is critically 
important. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in supporting this 
important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:

                [From USA Today staff and wire reports.]

        One Draft of Iraq's Constitution Makes Islam Main Source

       Baghdad.--Framers of Iraq's new constitution are 
     considering designating Islam as the main source of 
     legislation in the country, according to a draft published 
     Tuesday in the government newspaper.
       The draft, which appeared in the Baghdad newspaper Al-
     Sabah, further states that no law shall be approved that 
     contradicts ``the rules of Islam,'' raising worries that the 
     new government will restrict the role of women in society.
       The constitution could change significantly, however, 
     before the parliament votes on it by Aug. 15.
       ``There are several drafts of the constitution out there,'' 
     U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said in a statement Tuesday.
       ``I have seen one draft of the constitution in one of the 
     newspapers today. There are other drafts, as well. Now is the 
     time to produce a single draft by the commission,'' he said.
       The draft published Tuesday seems to reflect the views of 
     conservative members of the constitution committee.
       ``Islam is the official religion of the state and is the 
     main source of legislation,'' the draft reads. ``No law that 
     contradicts with its rules can be promulgated.''
       The document also grants the Shiite Arab religious 
     leadership in the holy city of Najaf ``independence for its 
     guiding role'' in recognition of its ``high national and 
     religious symbolism.''
       In Washington, 41 members of the House of Representatives 
     wrote a letter to President Bush urging him to support 
     provisions in the constitution that would protect women's 
     rights. ``It would be a terrible step backward for the women 
     of Iraq if their rights are actually restricted under the new 
     constitution,'' said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., in a press 
     release.
       The letter points out that the constitution would replace 
     the transitional administrative law, which provides for equal 
     treatment under the law and set a requirement that 25% of the 
     seats in the National Assembly go to women.
       During the U.S.-run occupation, which ended June 28, 2004, 
     key Shiite and some Sunni politicians sought to have Islam 
     designated as the main source of legislation in the interim 
     constitution, which went into effect in March 2004.
       However, U.S. Administrator Paul Bremer blocked the move. 
     He said that Islam would be considered ``a source''--but not 
     the only one. At the time, prominent Shiite politicians 
     agreed to forgo a public battle with Bremer and raise the 
     issue again during the drafting of the permanent 
     constitution.
       The drafting committee met Tuesday to discuss federalism, 
     another contentious issue, according to Sunni Arab member 
     Mohammed Abed-Rabbou.
       He described the discussion as ``heated'' and said no 
     agreement was reached.
       Parliament speaker Hajim al-Hassani urged Iraqi media to 
     refrain from publishing supposed texts unless they were 
     released by the constitutional committee.
       The Sunnis on the committee agreed only Monday to resume 
     work on the committee after they walked out to protest the 
     assassination of two of their colleagues this month.
                                  ____



                                Congress of the United States,

                                    Washington, DC, July 25, 2005.
     Hon. George W. Bush,
     President,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. President: We are writing to express our concerns 
     with the Iraqi constitution currently being drafted by 
     members of a constitutional drafting committee, and our 
     support for provisions that we hope will be included to 
     guarantee the rights of lraqi women.
       As you know, the National Assembly is scheduled to approve 
     a draft constitution by August 15, 2005, with a national vote 
     by October 15, 2005. This constitution will replace the 
     Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) which provides for 
     equality of all Iraqis regardless of gender and sets the goal 
     of providing Iraqi women with 25% of the seats in the 
     transitional assembly. We strongly believe that Iraqi women 
     must have every opportunity to participate in all levels of 
     government so that they can ensure that any laws passed by 
     the Iraqi government will not take away their rights or 
     relegate them to second-class status.
       It is our understanding that the current draft of the 
     constitution contains provisions, such as equal rights for 
     women unless those rights contradict Shari'a law, that would 
     weaken language contained in the TAL. Additionally, we 
     understand that the draft would phase out the 25% requirement 
     of parliamentary seats that must be held by women. Iraqi 
     women are playing a critical role in the future of Iraq after 
     the end of Saddam Hussein's tyranny. They should not be 
     denied their rightful place in society by those who would 
     seek to have the rights of women stripped away.
       Therefore, we respectfully request that you do all that you 
     can to demonstrate the United States' support for equality 
     for all Iraqis regardless of gender, and help the Iraqi 
     people as they continue to establish a new society and 
     government that recognizes the rights of all Iraqi citizens. 
     Iraqi women admirably have served in all levels of government 
     including in the National Assembly and as Cabinet Ministers 
     as well as the private sector. We must continue to show our 
     strong support for Iraqi women as they fight for equality.
       Thank you for your attention in this matter. We look 
     forward to your reply.
           Sincerely,
         Carolyn B. Maloney, Darlene Hooley, Lynn C. Woolsey, Jose 
           E. Serrano, Rosa L. DeLauro, Bernard Sanders, Tammy 
           Baldwin, Betty McCollum, Jim McDermott, Raul M. 
           Grijalva, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lois Capps, Frank 
           Pallone, Jr., Shelley Berkley, Jerrold Nadler, Nita 
           Lowey, Nydia M. Velazquez, Janice Schakowsky, Ellen O. 
           Tauscher, Thomas H. Allen, Sam Farr, Mike Honda, 
           Barbara Lee, Jim McGovern, Cynthia McKinney, Anna G. 
           Eshoo, Zoe Lofgren, Julia Carson, Carolyn McCarthy, 
           Nancy L. Johnson, Corrine Brown, Sheila Jackson Lee, 
           Maxine Waters, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Diane E. 
           Watson, Susan A. Davis, Steve Rothman, Jane Harman, 
           Earl Blumenauer, Anthony D. Weiner.

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman 
from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), who has been a true leader on Iraq issues, 
on democratic governance, on women's issues in Iraq.
  Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 383 encourages the transitional 
assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal 
rights. It was authored by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) and 
also the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher) and myself, who 
are cochairs of the Iraqi Women's Caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to say just a word about the Iraqi Women's 
Caucus. This was formed a couple of years ago by former Representative 
Jennifer Dunn and myself, with the belief that Iraqi women are critical 
to holding the social fabric of Iraq together and bringing Sunnis and 
Kurds and Shias together.
  And as we have talked to them, we found that this is the case, that 
this is true. Because many of them are married. Sunnis are married to 
Shias and

[[Page 17792]]

they have other sects within their families. And they consistently tell 
us that the divisions are not what people think in the United States.
  But we think that women are the key and probably as important as guns 
and bullets and tanks and helicopters to achieving a peaceful 
resolution in Iraq. Some of us visited Jordan in March. And we met with 
150 Iraqi women near the Dead Sea. These women drove from many points 
within Iraq. Two groups were shot at on the way, which shows you the 
resolution that they had, because they continued on their journey.
  We visited with many women's groups from Iraq, in the United States 
and Iraq, as we have traveled. I visited with prime minister al-Jaafari 
in Iraq in March. And I asked him this question: I said, will you give 
Iraqi women a prominent role in the government? And the answer that he 
gave me was, yes, that he would do that, that he would ensure that.
  So as many people are aware, one-third of the 275 seats in the 
transitional national assembly have been given to women, which is a 
very good thing. But on May 10 of this year, 55 members of the national 
assembly were chosen to draft a permanent constitution for Iraq by 
August 15.
  Of that 55, approximately 10 or 11 were women, which again does not 
sound too bad. But as we met with Iraqi women last week, they said the 
women that were chosen were among the most conservative, among the most 
fundamentalist group within the national assembly, and therefore they 
were really concerned about what was happening in regard to Sharia.
  And so as everyone knows, Sharia is Islamic law, and this was what 
was written in a draft of the constitution that was given to us by 
these women. And in the eighth article this is what it says: ``The 
government vouches for women's duties toward family and their work in 
the society, equalizing her to men in all political, educational, 
social and economic fields.'' So far so good.
  All sounds good. But then there is this last phrase, without 
infracting Islam, which means that whatever rights a women has cannot 
be in contradiction to Islamic law. This was the thing that concerned 
these women so much.
  As was mentioned earlier, one of those women who came here was a 
judge, who had been installed on the court, but was removed from her 
judgeship because of Sharia.

                              {time}  1345

  There is great concern at this point. So this resolution urges Iraqi 
leaders to accord Iraqi women equal rights under the Constitution.
  Let me just close, Mr. Speaker, by saying this: Iraqi women as we 
meet with them are really concerned about security. We do not want to 
minimize that. We do not want to pretend that Iraq is a real safe 
place. They are really concerned about the infrastructure, and there 
are some problems in the infrastructure. But when asked if they would 
prefer life under Saddam or if they would prefer that the United States 
pull out, they will almost unanimously say things like this: Things are 
better now. We see help for the future. We have a hope. We see a 
brighter future. Please do not leave now. Thank you for removing 
Saddam.
  So even though things are difficult, there is hope. And as long as 
you have hope, we think that there is a brighter future. And I think 
that women are truly a major part of whatever resolution we may receive 
in Iraq that would be of an optimistic nature.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, may I just say the enormous sacrifices paid by the 
American people to liberate Iraq both in blood and in treasure were not 
made to create a society that discriminates against women. Our voice is 
clear and united. We want the women of Iraq to have equal rights with 
the men of Iraq in that new unfolding and developing society. I urge 
all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to my 
good friend, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. 
I congratulate the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) and the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Tauscher) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Osborne) for their focus on this legislation.
  This is a very exciting time. I know it is a contentious time. I just 
returned from my ninth visit to Iraq yesterday morning. My purpose in 
going was to meet with the drafters of the new Constitution, to express 
our gratitude for their work and appreciation for their bravery, but 
also to make sure they realize that they have an awesome opportunity to 
a create successful country if they recognize that when they move 
toward democracy, it has to include certain vital components.
  Democracy obviously involves majority rule. That comes easy to folks. 
They get majority rule but they also need to recognize the importance 
of minority rights. And right along with that is the fact that 
democratic countries that succeed are those democracies that recognize 
women are an equal part.
  When you look at the gross domestic product of the Arab nations, it 
is astounding to recognize when you take in aggregate their total GNP 
and in spite of controlling nearly two-thirds of the world's oil, they 
still have a collective gross domestic product only equal to Spains'.
  The message is clear, when you cut out half of your populace, you are 
not going to prosper and grow. So it is in the self-interest of every 
man and woman in Iraq to make sure women have an equal role in the 
activities of their country.
  When I met this past weekend with Iraqi women in Amman and in 
Baghdad, and met with men and women who were participating in their 
constitutional convention, it was clear they feel like they are the 
Jeffersons and the Madisons and the Adamses and the Franklins and the 
Shermans. They know they have this unbelievable opportunity to shape a 
great nation.
  It is right for our country to encourage them to do the right thing, 
to tell them we know what has helped us succeed. But in the end, it is 
their country and they will decide what is in their best interest.
  They are going to decide, but if they want to succeed, and Lord knows 
we want them to, they need to make sure that along with guaranteeing 
majority rule and minority rights, right along with that there is the 
very real need to guarantee women are not only protected as equal but 
have an active role in their government.
  Last June when the President demanded we transfer power to the 
Iraqis, there were many who did not agree with him. We took this 
American face and transferred it to Iraqis, and Iraqis began to be in 
charge of their own country. They had their election this January. More 
Iraqis participated in their election on a percentage basis than 
Americans participate in their own elections.
  And now they will met this August 15 deadline. They have assured me 
they are going to have their constitutional draft done, they are going 
to have their referendum on the 15th of October, and elect their new 
government in December. They will succeed.
  What is astounding is in spite of the bombings, in spite of the 
chaos, it has not deterred the Iraqis from moving their country 
forward.
  I am going to conclude my remarks by again thanking the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Granger) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) for their work, and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Tauscher), and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for his work.
  I believe Iraqis know the importance of what they are doing, and that 
this little nudge from us is important, but ultimately they get it. 
They recognize women have a huge role to play in this potentially 
powerful country, with 10 percent of the world's oil, with all the 
water that a Middle East country could want. God bless our country, and 
God

[[Page 17793]]

bless our new fledgling democracy in Iraq.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 383, to encourage the Transnational Assembly of Iraq to 
adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and 
works to protect such rights.
  Frankly, it's no secret that the women of Iraq faced horrific times 
under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Women confronted terror on a 
daily basis and far too often lost their loved ones to the brutality of 
the regime.
  Since the fall of Saddam's regime and the emergence of a new 
democratic government, the women of Iraq have made tremendous progress 
in reclaiming their rightful place in society. These women have 
overcome unimaginable obstacles and deserve our ongoing support as they 
work to build a new democracy.
  I have been fortunate enough to have met with many Iraqi women during 
two visits to Jordan and Iraq this year. Despite finding themselves in 
a dangerous environment, their dedication to achieving a democracy is 
inspirational.
  The elections that were held in Iraq were only the first step towards 
democracy and equality. Thankfully, the transitional government was 
committed to including women in the election process and ultimately 
decided that every third name on each list would be a woman's name. As 
a result, 31 percent of those elected to the Transnational Assembly of 
Iraq are women. These elected women are participating in the writing of 
the constitution which has a deadline of completion of August 15th.
  But the women of Iraq continue to face obstacles. A current hurtle is 
whether or not equal rights for women are included in the Iraqi 
Constitution. Their inclusion or omission will determine the future of 
Iraqi women's rights under the law, status in society, and role in the 
government. Iraqi women understand this and want their rights clearly 
defined in the constitution. They realize that unless their rights are 
firmly established, their future is not ensured and it will be far too 
easy to strip away these rights. Women constitute 60 percent of the 
Iraqi population. Leaving the majority of Iraqis out of the 
Constitution will not only prove detrimental to Iraqi women, but to the 
future health and prosperity of Iraqi society.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I strongly 
encourage the Transnational Assembly of Iraq to grant women equal 
rights under the law.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 383.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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