[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[House]
[Pages 27551-27556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 2017) to amend the Torture Victims Relief Act of 
1998 to authorize appropriations to provide assistance for domestic and 
foreign programs and centers for the treatment of victims of torture, 
and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 2017

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Torture Victims Relief 
     Reauthorization Act of 2005''.

     SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States--
       (1) to ensure that, in its support abroad for programs and 
     centers for the treatment of victims of torture, particular 
     incentives and support should be given to establishing and 
     supporting such programs and centers in emerging democracies, 
     in post-conflict environments, and, with a view to providing 
     services to refugees and internally displaced persons, in 
     areas as close to ongoing conflict as safely as possible; and
       (2) to ensure that, in its support for domestic programs 
     and centers for the treatment of victims of torture, 
     particular attention should be given to regions with 
     significant immigrant or refugee populations.

     SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DOMESTIC 
                   TREATMENT CENTERS FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE.

       Section 5(b)(1) of the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 
     (22 U.S.C. 2152 note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Health 
     and Human Services for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (a) 
     $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 and 2007.''.

     SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FOREIGN TREATMENT 
                   CENTERS FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE.

       Section 4(b)(1) of the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 
     (22 U.S.C. 2152 note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 
     pursuant to chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act 
     of 1961, there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     President to carry out section 130 of such Act $12,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2006 and $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.''.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES 
                   CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTARY 
                   FUND FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE.

        Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal 
     years 2006 and 2007 pursuant to chapter 3 of part I of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, there are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the President for a voluntary contribution to 
     the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture 
     $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2006 and $8,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2007.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. 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 bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, nationwide there are an estimated 400,000 torture 
survivors, most of whom came to the United States as refugees. 
Worldwide, it is impossible to count the numbers. As witnesses have 
repeatedly testified before our committee and before the Congress, the 
paralyzing scars from the physical and psychological wounds of torture 
can remain for years. Torture impacts not only the individual victim 
but their families and society as well.
  Yesterday, the first witnesses testified in the trial of Saddam 
Hussein. Demonstrating heroic courage, they described torture on a 
scale that is almost beyond belief and which is simply too grisly to be 
repeated here. Although these events described happened many years ago, 
their testimony painfully illustrates the lasting impact torture has on 
those who survive it, their families and communities. There can be no 
doubt that Hussein's systematic torture was intended not only to punish 
specific victims but to coerce an entire population into silence and 
into subservience. As we try to bring democracy to Iraq and to other 
parts around the globe, we must try to heal the victims of torture that 
was used to prevent democracy from taking hold in the past.
  In 1998, Mr. Speaker, Congress took a historic step towards repairing 
the broken lives of torture victims with the

[[Page 27552]]

passage of the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998. I sponsored that 
legislation, and I was joined by my good friend and colleague (Mr. 
Lantos), who has also been a hero in this battle to help torture 
victims. We also sponsored the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization 
Act of 1999 and the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2003. 
As important as these congressional measures have been, there continues 
to be an enormous need for us to reach out to the victims of torture 
who oftentimes have no other recourse for their suffering. Therefore, I 
strongly urge my colleagues to join us today in supporting H.R. 2017, 
the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005.
  The domestic aspect of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, is designed to 
ensure that particular attention is given to torture victims in regions 
with significant immigrant and refugee populations. The measure 
authorizes $25 million for fiscal year 2006 and $25 million for fiscal 
year 2007 to the Department of Health and Human Services to assist 
domestic treatment centers. This maintains the current $25 million 
authorization funding level for fiscal year 2005 for such centers.
  Currently, 27 programs in 16 States are assisted by the Department of 
Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement. In addition 
to direct assistance, many of these centers are also engaged in 
training mainstream organizations and personnel in the specialized 
treatment of torture victims.
  The number of survivors seeking treatment at U.S. centers funded 
through the Torture Victims Relief and Reauthorization acts has 
steadily increased throughout the years. The client base at just 14 
such centers increased from 935 in 1999 to 1,550 in 2000 to 2,579 in 
2001. A subsequent survey showed that during 2002, 23 Torture Victim 
Relief Act-funded centers treated over 3,600 clients. With the 
additional funding, it is estimated the U.S. centers would have the 
capacity and the capability to serve an additional 2,800 survivors per 
year.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2017 also authorizes $12 million in 2006 and $13 
million in 2007 for foreign treatment centers and programs administered 
through USAID's Victims of Torture fund. This authorization would 
maintain the current fiscal year 2005 authorization for 2006 and 
increase it by $1 million for fiscal year 2007.
  The bill gives particular emphasis to supporting centers and programs 
abroad in emerging democracies and postconflict environments. 
Nongovernmental organizations that receive this funding provide direct 
services to survivors, their families, and their communities. They also 
strengthen institutions on the ground and the indigenous capacity of 
these institutions to deliver services to survivors. In addition to 
providing treatment, many of these programs advocate for the 
elimination of torture itself in these countries.
  Lastly, the measure maintains current authorization levels of $7 
million for fiscal year 2006 for the U.N. Voluntary Fund for the 
Victims of Torture. It would increase this funding to $8 million in 
fiscal year 2007. In 2001, in just that one year alone, the U.N. fund 
assisted some 77,000 victims of torture. This type of humanitarian 
assistance provided by organizations which receive grants from the fund 
consists mainly of psychological, medical, social, legal, and economic 
assistance.
  Again, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I attach for printing in the Congressional Record an 
exchange of letters between Chairman Hyde and Chairman Barton on the 
bill H.R. 2017 ``The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 
2005.''

         House of Representatives, Committee on International 
           Relations,
                                Washington, DC, November 29, 2005.
     Hon. Joe Barton,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rayburn House 
         Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On June 30, 2005, the Committee on 
     International Relations authorized me to seek consideration 
     of H.R. 2017, the ``Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization 
     Act of 2005,'' under suspension of the rules. As you are 
     aware, H.R. 2017 was additionally referred to your Committee. 
     The bill contains language which falls within the Rule X 
     jurisdiction of your Committee. Your Committee's subject 
     matter jurisdiction relates to the authorization for domestic 
     treatment centers for victims of torture.
       I write to ask that the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
     waive its opportunity to mark up provisions referred to it. 
     Timely action by the Energy and Commerce Committee would 
     allow this Committee to proceed expeditiously to the House 
     floor. By waiving the opportunity to mark up the bill, I 
     understand that your Committee does not waive any future 
     jurisdictional claim over this or similar measures. In 
     addition, in the event of a conference with the Senate on 
     this matter, I will recommend that your Committee have the 
     right to seek the appointment of conferees.
       A copy of this letter and your reply will be placed in the 
     Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the 
     floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Henry J. Hyde,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                                 Washington, DC, December 1, 2005.
     Hon. Henry J. Hyde,
     Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Hyde: Thank you for your November 29, 2005 
     letter concerning H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Relief 
     Reauthorization Act of 2005. As you know, the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce was named as an additional Committee of 
     jurisdiction upon the bill's introduction.
       I recognize your desire to bring this legislation before 
     the House in an expeditious manner. Accordingly, I will not 
     exercise my Committee's right to a full referral on the bill. 
     By agreeing to waive its consideration of the bill, however, 
     the Committee on Energy and Commerce does not waive its 
     jurisdiction over H.R. 2017. In addition, the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce reserves its right to seek conferees on 
     any provisions of the bill that are within its jurisdiction 
     during any House-Senate conference that may be convened on 
     this legislation. I thank you for your commitment to support 
     any request by the Committee on Energy and Commerce for 
     conferees on H.R. 2017 or similar legislation.
       Thank you for your attention to these matters, and I look 
     forward to working with you as this legislation moves 
     forward.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Joe Barton,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong and enthusiastic support for this 
legislation.
  As the principal Democratic cosponsor of the Torture Victims Relief 
Reauthorization Act of 2005, I would like to thank my good friend and 
distinguished colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his 
longstanding leadership on human rights in general and on issues 
relating to the despicable practice of torture in particular. No one, 
Mr. Speaker, in this body has done as much to fight for victims of 
torture as has my friend from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  The Torture Victims Relief Act is an important expression of our 
outstanding commitment to combat the effects of the most despicable of 
all human rights violations, the increasing use of torture around the 
world.
  Of course, exact figures are difficult to come by, but well over 100 
countries worldwide still engage in torture as we meet here today. For 
that reason, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the McCain amendment, 
which was overwhelmingly adopted by the other body. The McCain 
amendment prohibits any torture or any cruel, inhuman, or degrading 
treatment by the United States of detainees wherever they are held; and 
its adoption into law will send a strong signal that the United States 
will not tolerate this despicable practice.
  Mr. Speaker, over 400,000 survivors of overseas torture reside in the 
United States. Some 100 million may exist worldwide. More than 250 
treatment centers operate globally with the sole purpose of providing 
crucial services to torture survivors.
  In the United States, the Center for Victims of Torture in Minnesota 
was the first of its kind in our country and the third torture victims 
center in the world.
  The ramifications of torture practices are beyond the realm of 
comprehension. Torture leaves no victim unscarred. It shapes the 
remainder of his life. While physical wounds may ultimately heal, 
torture survivors need

[[Page 27553]]

ongoing psychosocial services and therapy to cope with the post-
traumatic stress that afflicts them daily. Recovering from torture is a 
long-term process. It can take years before torture survivors can once 
again feel emotionally stable and comfortable in society.
  Mr. Speaker, I am deeply troubled by the worsening financial 
situation facing many well-established centers in the United States. 
Many of these centers had just developed enough expertise and capacity 
to make a real impact in the treatment of survivors only to learn that 
their Federal funds were eliminated or reduced significantly.

                              {time}  1545

  In my own congressional district, the 12th District of California, 
Federal funds to several torture survivor centers were cut severely, 
despite the fact that they established themselves as outstanding 
institutions in the field.
  This development happened despite the fact that the San Francisco 
area is one of the main ports of entry for survivors of torture, 
particularly from Asia.
  I am therefore delighted that the findings section of the legislation 
before us makes it clear that particular attention must be given to 
regions such as Northern California with significant immigrant and 
refugee populations.
  The legislation before the House will have a positive impact on the 
provision of assistance to the victims of torture. Mr. Speaker, I fully 
support this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Becerra).
  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Smith), who has been like a consistent drum beat on these issues of 
humanity and preservation of life throughout this world. I want to 
again thank him for championing another cause that will help, 
unfortunately thousands, at least in this country, of individuals when 
we know that there are millions throughout the world. But at least here 
in this country, this act, if we are able to reauthorize it, will 
continue to help many people who are trying to get themselves back on 
their feet.
  To the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos), we want to say thank you for constantly being 
the light of the vigil and certainly the voices for many people who 
otherwise would not have that opportunity to have their life restored.
  Mr. Speaker, we know that torture exists. We know that despicable 
acts continue throughout the world, and we know that there are people 
who actually survive some of the most heinous types of crimes that can 
be committed on any adults and children. And when that happens and some 
of those people are able to somehow make it to the land that we call 
the ``land of the freedom,'' it is sometimes very difficult for us to 
find them if they do not speak out.
  And many of those folks will not speak out because the last thing 
they want to do is let anyone know that they, in fact, were tortured, 
or let the people that tortured them know that they are still alive. 
But these folks deserve some assistance.
  It is not only fitting that we try to reauthorize this act, which 
will provide some assistance to some of the centers here in the United 
States but also abroad that are providing some noble work to those who 
need it, but they are doing this in a way that coordinates services 
that otherwise would have to be used by some of these victims of 
torture who are here in this country.
  As the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) said, there are some 
400,000 people in this country today who are the victims and survivors 
of torture. In the county of Los Angeles alone, there are over 10,000 
people that we can document that are the survivors of torture.
  If it were not for the coordination that these treatment centers 
provide in terms of health care, psychological services and the like, 
many of these would continue on in a cycle that I unfortunately think 
would be a cycle of dead-end roads, where they would not know where to 
go, principally because many come from other parts of the world, and 
also because they would not know how to navigate throughout this 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2017.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time and 
yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friends and colleagues for their 
very kind remarks. This is bipartisan legislation. We worked very 
closely with the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) to come up with 
what I think is a bill that will make a significant difference to help 
those who have suffered the cruelty of despotic regimes all over the 
world.
  I just returned from a trip to Vietnam. I was in Hanoi, Hue, and 
finished the trip in Ho Chi Minh City; and during the course of more 
than 24 comprehensive meetings with religious and political people, 
many of whom are under house arrest, or pagoda arrest, including that 
of Thich Quand Do, the venerable leader of the Unified Buddhist Church 
of Vietnam, Father Li, Father Loy and many others, in each and every 
one of those circumstances, the more the conversation went on, the more 
you saw, while they suffered much in prison, especially for Father Li 
and others, they were subjected to torture and other inhumane 
treatment.
  Their faith helps them get through it. But for most beyond a facade 
of coping, the mental pain is overwhelming. They and so many others 
like them all over the world need what this kind of legislation can 
provide in the foreign treatment centers as well as our domestic 
centers. We have learned much about post-traumatic stress disorder. We 
have learned much of it through our work in this country through the VA 
and the fine work that the psychologists have done and the 
psychiatrists in mitigating the pain of our GIs who served in Vietnam 
and in other conflicts.
  But for other people who have suffered so cruelly, being put into 
coffin-like boxes for days and weeks on end, leaves scars. Father 
Calciu, I will never forget, a great leader in Romania who spent years 
in Communist prisons, used to be put in these small boxes where he 
would suffer beyond words. It was his faith that got him through it, 
but he carries those scars.
  There are people like Armanda Valadaries who wrote a book that should 
be read by everyone as a primer as to what the Castro regime does to 
its people, ``Against All Hope.'' Valadaries talks about the torture 
that he and so many others in Cuba have suffered. And he is one of the 
brave ones who endured and overcame. But so many others retreat and 
slide into despair, clinical depression, and then sometimes even to 
suicide.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this. In like manner, I 
urge the appropriators to ensure that we meet the authorized levels. 
Torture victims are the walking wounded and they are on our streets. As 
both the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and I said, 400,000 is 
the estimation of torture survivors living in the United States.
  Many of them came here as asylum seekers. Thank God they got the 
asylum status. Many others survive throughout the world and need the 
kind of services this legislation can provide.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2017, the 
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005, to reauthorize and 
increase funding for the treatment of torture victims. As the ranking 
member of the Helsinki Commission I was pleased to be an original co-
sponsor of this legislation, which was introduced by Chairman Chris 
Smith.
  The international community must aggressively address the issue of 
torture. The U.S. Government estimates that about 400,000 survivors of 
torture live in the United States, oftentimes after escaping 
persecution abroad for their political or religious beliefs.
  This bill would help provide funding for 27 treatment centers in the 
United States and almost 200 treatment centers in other countries

[[Page 27554]]

through the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID. The bill 
authorizes $90 million for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 for the 
Department of Health and Human Services, USAID, and the United Nations 
Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
  In my congressional district in Maryland, the Advocates for Survivors 
of Torture and Trauma, ASTT, organization is one of the 27 nationwide 
treatment centers that is supported by this legislation. The Baltimore-
based group was formed in 1994, and consists of physicians, 
psychologists, social workers, and human rights advocates who assist in 
supporting the victims of torture from all over the world. The center 
treats patients from Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania and 
Delaware. Over the past 5 years this group has seen its client base 
increase from 25 patients to 181 patients. The vast majority of their 
patients are from Africa, although they also serve clients from Asia, 
Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. These individuals have been 
subjected to a horrifying range of physical and psychological torture. 
ASTT provides crucial psychological assessment and counseling to 
victims, works with other organizations to provide legal assistance to 
asylum seekers, and seeks to educate physicians and health care workers 
on how to identify and distinguish torture victims from other victims 
of violence. I congratulate and commend ASTT on their efforts.
  Torture victims require specialized treatment and counseling, and 
therefore it is critical that today we reauthorize the Torture Victims 
Relief Act of 1998, TVRA, in order to meet the growing demand for 
treatment services provided by U.S. centers. U.S. centers have 
witnessed a significant increase in patients since the TVRA was 
enacted: from 935 in 1999 to 3,664 in 2002.
  The reauthorization of this legislation would ensure that victims 
continue to receive the treatment that they so desperately need and 
that centers will be able to expand their existing programs to treat 
more survivors. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the important work 
that is being done to aid victims of torture, and to reemphasize my 
support for the reauthorization of the Torture Victims Relief Act, 
TVRA.
  The enacted fiscal year 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act 
provides $6.583 million for the United Nations Voluntary Fund for 
Victims of Torture and fully funds foreign treatment centers through 
the United States Agency for International Development. Both the House 
and Senate versions of the Labor HHS Appropriations bill provide $9.915 
million for domestic torture treatment centers. We must continue to 
support a strong congressional commitment for programs under the 
Torture Victims Relief Act.
  Minneapolis, MN is home to the United States first comprehensive 
torture treatment center, the Center for Victims of Torture, CVT. When 
CVT opened in 1985 they were the first center in the United States and 
only the third in the entire world.
  Freedom from torture is a universal and fundamental human right. Yet 
torture continues to take place in more than 120 countries worldwide. 
It is estimated that one-third of the world's 12 million refugees are 
victims of torture. Politicians, journalists, teachers, students, 
religious leaders, trade union and human rights activists are all 
targets. The aim of torture is not to kill the victim, but to break 
down the victim's personality. Crippled, traumatized, and humiliated, 
the victims are returned to their communities as a warning to others.
  There are more than 500,000 torture survivors in the United States 
alone--refugees and asylum seekers who have fled repressive regimes. In 
recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of 
victims of torture seeking help at U.S. rehabilitation centers. In the 
U.S. there are 34 rehabilitation centers and programs joined together 
under the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs, which was 
started by the Center for Victims of Torture in Minnesota.
  I have seen victims made whole after they received care at CVT. 
Restoring a torture survivor to full health has a lasting benefit for 
the entire community. Former clients of CVT are now public school 
teachers, small business owners, nurses, doctors and more. I commend 
CVT for their tireless work on behalf of torture victims in the U.S. 
and worldwide, and encourage my colleagues to support the 
reauthorization of the Torture Victims Relief Act.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the passage of the Torture Victims 
Relief Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2017) and appreciate Representative 
Smith's leadership on this important issue. This bill, if enacted into 
law and fully funded, will provide much needed assistance to victims of 
torture, both within the U.S. and internationally.
  But I am deeply disheartened that the good intentions of H.R. 2017 
will be undercut by the Administration's refusal to unequivocally 
reject the use of torture not only for the military but also for the 
intelligence community. I do not naively believe that al-Qaeda or other 
Foreign Terrorist Organizations have any respect for the U.N. 
Convention Against Torture. But, the United States immediately loses 
the moral battle against terrorists when U.S. policy makes acceptations 
for torture, and disregards due process and the rule of law. Most 
importantly, ambiguity about U.S. policy on torture puts into jeopardy 
the lives of captured U.S. citizens, both military and civilian.
  It is time for the House of Representatives to embrace Senator 
McCain's anti-torture language and move on.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2017, 
``The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005.''
  Torture can have devastating physical and psychological consequences 
for its victims. It is a worldwide health and human rights concern. The 
need for assistance for torture victims living in the United States is 
enormous. It is estimated that more than half a million survivors of 
torture, who fled persecution in their native countries, now live in 
the United States. Survivors of torture arriving in this country 
include students, academicians, religious leaders and political 
activists.
  Programs funded through the Torture Victims Relief Act help torture 
victims heal and rebuild their lives. Because of this legislation, more 
than 30 organizations in more than 20 States are caring for refugees 
and asylum seekers who have been brutally tortured and traumatized in 
their countries of origin. Torture treatment programs funded by the 
Torture Victims Relief Act provide critical medical care, mental health 
care, and social services.
  I am proud that one of the leading centers in the United States, the 
Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture, is located in my 
district. This program is jointly sponsored by Bellevue Hospital, the 
nation's oldest public hospital, and New York University School of 
Medicine, a leader in medical education and research. Since the 
Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture began in 1995, more than 
1,800 men, women, and children (more than 600 in the last year alone) 
from more than 70 countries have received vital care. The Bellevue/NYU 
Program has established an international reputation for excellence in 
its clinical, educational and research activities.
  One patient cared for through the Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors 
of Torture is Samten. He is a gifted painter and was a leading artist 
in Tibet. After being arrested and imprisoned for writing poetry 
critical of the government, he was brutally beaten. During an 
interrogation session, he was told that he ``was causing nothing but 
trouble with his hands'' which were then forced into a coal oven. The 
severe bums caused significant scarring and disfigurement of his hands. 
He could barely hold a paintbrush and when he did, he had terrifying 
flashbacks of his abuse. Nightmares interrupted what little sleep he 
got.
  At the time of referral to the Bellevue/NYU Program he did not have a 
regular place to stay. Through the Bellevue/NYU Program, he received 
primary medical care including pain management, treatment for exposure 
to tuberculosis as well as referral to hand specialists and subsequent 
hand surgery. Social service staff assisted him in finding housing and 
a pro bono attorney to represent him in his asylum case. He also 
attended a support group for Tibetan survivors which helped him to 
restore important social connections. Following surgery, he had marked 
improvement in the use of his hands. Recently, he was granted asylum, 
and he is again drawing and able to support himself.
  The Bellevue/NYU Program and other treatment centers try to help 
torture survivors by restoring their dignity and their sense of trust. 
The centers also help them heal physically and psychologically, and 
assist them in getting on with their lives. Patients who have received 
care from the Bellevue/NYU Program and other torture treatment centers 
are now working, going to school, and again leading productive lives.
  It is urgent that we continue to support torture treatment centers, 
both domestically and internationally, through the Torture Victims 
Relief Act.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, as the House stands poised to 
consider and pass H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization 
Act of 2005 (TVRA), I want to express my strong support for this 
legislation. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2017. I want to take 
this opportunity to recognize the efforts of Survivors of Torture, 
International (SURVIVORS) in my district of San Diego, California. 
SURVIVORS is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to caring 
for

[[Page 27555]]

survivors of politically-motivated torture and their families who live 
in San Diego County.
  San Diego is home to the busiest land border crossing in the world. 
According to conservative estimates based on International Red Cross 
Red Crescent Societies' extrapolations of the percentage of torture 
survivors among refugees from countries where the use of systematic 
torture is documented, approximately 11,000 torture survivors are 
living in San Diego County today. They are from countries where the use 
of systematic torture is documented, including countries in Africa, 
Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
  Since 1997, SURVIVORS has helped more than 500 torture survivors from 
more than 40 countries to recover from their traumas through a holistic 
program including medical, dental, psychiatric, psychological, legal 
and social services. SURVIVORS empowers torture survivors to reclaim 
the strength and vitality that were stolen from them by brutal 
dictators and governments. The specialized care SURVIVORS provides 
these vulnerable individuals helps them to become self-sufficient and 
healthy members of their families and of our community. SURVIVORS 
currently serves approximately 200 survivors of torture and their 
families in San Diego County.
  Mr. Speaker, SURVIVORS works with refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, 
and immigrants who are survivors of torture. By working with this large 
population in San Diego County, SURVIVORS is strengthening the nation: 
many of its clients move to other communities in the United States 
after receiving the care and services necessary to successfully build a 
new life here. As SURVIVORS continues to work in the community, it 
receives an increasing number of referrals and requests for services 
each year. There is also a need to continue making services even more 
comprehensive.
  The professional background of SURVIVORS' clients include: business, 
religious, government, and farm leaders; university students and 
educators; journalists; physicians and nurses. They are talented, 
trained, productive people who feel destroyed. Torturers today are able 
to create conditions which effectively break down the victim's 
personality, identity, and his/her ability to live a full life later. 
At SURVIVORS and groups like it across the nation, these individuals 
find help to begin reclaiming their lives.
  The significant majority of SURVIVORS clients in San Diego suffer 
from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or 
both. The worst consequences of torture are psychological ``sequelae.'' 
These are normal yet disabling reactions for ordinary people who have 
endured the extreme trauma of torture.
  People are referred to programs like SURVIVORS through a variety of 
sources, including: religious and community-based social service 
organizations, refugee resettlement organizations, immigration 
attorneys, public health care providers, schools, individuals in the 
community, and other torture survivors.
  Mr. Speaker, the TVRA provides funds for torture treatment centers in 
the U.S. through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Currently, 
27 programs in 17 States receive assistance through ORR. The treatment 
provided by these programs enables survivors of torture to recover 
their lives and become productive members of their communities. Many of 
these centers also train mainstream organizations and personnel. This 
increases the ability of health care providers, schools and other 
institutions to provide for the special needs of torture victims and 
contribute to the prevention of torture.
  Since 2000, SURVIVORS has received the bulk of its funding from TVRA 
through ORR; and almost two-thirds of SURVIVORS' current financial 
support is funded through an ORR grant. TVRA provides funds for foreign 
treatment centers through the U.S. Agency for International Development 
(USAID). In some cases, direct investment by the U.S. in torture 
rehabilitation centers provides important political support and 
protection, especially when the local embassy, Members of Congress and 
other American leaders visit these centers. SURVIVORS also receives 
funding to provide technical assistance and build the capacity of NGOs 
in Mexico that provide services to survivors of torture.
  Mr. Speaker, TVRA also authorizes a contribution to the United 
Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). Funding from 
the U.N. helps many centers feel more secure in the dangerous work of 
aiding torture survivors that a regime has identified as its enemies. 
The UNVFVT supports nearly 200 treatment programs spanning 70 
countries, including nearly all U.S. centers. This funding is also 
vital to groups like SURVIVORS for direct programs.
  In conclusion Mr. Speaker, the TVRA is a vital piece of legislation 
which funds essential services for survivors of torture throughout the 
53rd District of California and San Diego County, and enhances the 
standing and reputation by exporting America's values in the form of 
support for foreign treatment centers. I strongly urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this bill that is so important to so many.
  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of 
H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Relief Authorization Act.
  I am especially proud that the first Center for Victims of Torture in 
the United States is located in Minnesota. Minnesota's Center for 
Victims of Torture is certainly one of the premier centers for torture 
survivors in the entire world.
  Minnesota is home to about 30,000 victims of torture, and there are 
some 500,000 victims of torture in our country. Even though people are 
becoming increasingly aware of the issue of torture, support and 
treatment for the victims have often been lacking.
  That's where the center, with its excellent leadership, comes in. We 
in Minnesota have learned much, and now we want to bring that 
leadership, and the path-breaking work of the center, to the rest of 
the country.
  Mr. Speaker, this important legislation provides support for 
Minnesota's Center for Victims of Torture and will enable our world-
renowned Center to continue providing rehabilitation and other critical 
services to victims of torture.
  All Minnesotans can be proud of our Center for Victims of Torture, 
which helps victims of torture recover from their horrific pain, 
suffering and scars.
  Mr. Speaker, the issues of torture and human rights have finally 
penetrated the global consciousness, and I urge my colleagues to 
support passage of this important legislation.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2017, the 
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005.
  Congress originally approved the Torture Victims Relief Act in 1998 
to provide medical, psychological and social services for survivors of 
torture in the United States. These survivors are primarily refugees 
from war-torn nations such as Bosnia, Iraq, the Sudan, Rwanda, Liberia, 
Afghanistan and others. Since the TVRA became law, over three dozen 
centers have been established nationwide to help survivors of torture 
regain the ability to care for themselves and their families, and 
positively contribute to our society. Most programs are at-capacity and 
must refer ``waiting list'' survivors to less-specialized clinics until 
treatment becomes available.
  Reauthorization is critical to the estimated 400,000 torture 
survivors residing in the United States. The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, 
is home to the second highest refugee population in the Nation, and a 
corresponding treatment center that effectively transforms the lives of 
torture survivors to benefit the entire community. H.R. 2017 will help 
ensure such critical treatment centers remain available for torture 
survivors nationwide by reauthorizing the TVRA. The demand for 
treatment is so high that federal funding had to be cut to some 
existing centers last year in order to open new centers. Reauthorizing 
the TVRA will help provide critical support to all existing centers 
working to restore the lives and health of many refugees.
  H.R. 2017 will authorize $25 million in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 to 
fund domestic treatment centers, $25 million over 2 years for the 
United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Victims of 
Torture Fund, and $15 million over two years for the United Nations' 
Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture, which supports almost all 
U.S. centers. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I 
serve, unanimously reported this legislation during the last Congress.
  Here are some facts underlining the importance of this legislation:
  The Office of Refugee Resettlement of the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services currently funds 27 treatment centers in 16 States, 
while other similar programs are funded in State health departments. 
Many centers do not have enough resources to meet existing demand from 
torture survivors in their communities.
  Not surprisingly, few programs engage in outreach to refugee 
communities since they would not have the capacity to absorb the 
increased client load that such outreach might generate. Consequently, 
many torture victims are not receiving the rehabilitation treatment 
they need.
  There has been no increase in funding levels since fiscal year 2001. 
At the same time, the number of survivors seeking treatment at U.S. 
centers has steadily increased. The client base at 14 centers increased 
from 935 in 1999, to 1,550 in 2000, and to 2,579 in 2001. In 2002, a 
subsequent survey showed that 23 federally-funded centers had treated 
3,664 clients that year.

[[Page 27556]]

  Despite the high need and demand for torture survivor services, the 
Office of Refugee Resettlement was forced to reduce funding to existing 
programs last year in order to open additional needed centers. One 
program had to close its doors, while others laid off employees or 
reduced the number of torture victims that can receive treatment.
  The network of treatment centers in the United States still needs to 
be expanded, especially in areas with significant refugee and immigrant 
communities. For example, there are no treatment centers in Miami, New 
Orleans, Cleveland or Seattle.
  Current funding does not provide for evaluation and research to 
strengthen the effectiveness of treatment programs for victims. In 
order to reach a greater number of torture survivors in the United 
States, training on the identification and treatment of victims of 
torture should be provided to general health care providers and 
hospitals.
  Torture victims are often targeted for persecution by repressive 
regimes because of their independent political, religious or labor 
activities. Even after a dictatorial regime has fallen, the impact of 
torture can be felt for years: Dissidents are broken and potential 
leaders are lost; their families and communities are still frightened 
and disengaged from public life; there is a profound lack of trust in 
public institutions, police, and courts; political apathy is a lesson 
learned and lived out every day. But with medical, psychological and 
social services, torture survivors can again become contributing 
members of their communities, and lead lives of hope and success.
  H.R. 2017 is critical for torture victims and their families, and I 
urge all of my colleagues to strongly support it.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Torture 
Victims Relief Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2017). The Torture Victims 
Relief Act (TVRA) has provided critical support to thousands of 
survivors of torture since it was first authorized in 1999. The sad 
fact is that torture is still used by governments around the world and 
the need for the bill is as pronounced as ever. With revelations of the 
U.S.'s own use of torture making waves around the world, we can ill 
afford to take a step back in the field of torture treatment.
  The United States must renew its commitment against the use of 
torture. And it must support efforts to ease the pain and suffering of 
those living in parts of the world where there are no other resources--
not to mention political motivation--to help survivors of torture.
  Currently, 27 programs in 17 states including Illinois receive 
assistance for torture treatment in the U.S. Treatment provided by 
these programs enables survivors of torture to recover their lives and 
become productive members of their communities. Many of these centers, 
including the center in Illinois, also train mainstream professionals. 
This increases the ability of health care providers, attorneys, leaders 
of faith, and others, to provide for the special needs of torture 
victims and contribute to the. prevention of torture.
  The TVRA is at work in my district, supporting the work of the 
Marjorie Kovler Center of Heartland Alliance. The Center provides 
medical, mental health and social services to more than 300 torture 
survivors every year. While these services are provided for people 
across the state and into Indiana and Wisconsin, the Center receives 
more referrals from my Congressional district than any other. These 
individuals make their way to our community at great personal cost. 
They come seeking safety, only to be confronted with the difficulties 
of adjusting to life in the United States. They each carry a heavy 
burden from the trauma they have suffered, and many would not become 
the productive members of the community that they want to be if it not 
for the services supported by the TVRA.
  In addition to the people in my district that the Center serves, I am 
proud to say that dozens of my constituents volunteer and work at the 
Marjorie Kovler Center. I have had the opportunity to meet many of them 
at events in the district over the past several years and am aware of 
their skill and commitment. The fact is that volunteer and in-kind 
donations worth more than $400,000 annually leverage funds from the 
TVRA spent in my district. This amounts to a one-to-one match of 
Federal funds provided by my community.
  For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support the Torture 
Victim Relief Reauthorization Act, and I urge my colleagues to support 
funding for torture treatment centers.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2017.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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