March 8, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1497 bipartisan bill. Senator LIEBERMAN and and across the country, efforts we all to women’s care, even shutting down Senator COLLINS, an Independent and must fight against. Only 1 week ago in the Federal Government. That may Republican, have acknowledged they the Senate, we had a debate on the seem extreme to all, but that is exactly want to bring this bill forward, and ability for women across this country what happened 1 year ago when Repub- they have it done, so we will bring it to to access contraceptives. It is a debate licans nearly shut down the Federal the floor. We have all our Appropria- most women believed was settled half a Government over a rider that was yet tions bills, and we have to do those. So century ago and one we had all hoped another attempt to go after title X and we have a lot to do to accomplish even was in the past. However, in a scene Planned Parenthood. I remember sit- a fraction of our to-do list, and it is that was eerily reminiscent of half a ting in those meetings late at night, going to take more cooperation and century ago, last week one woman after months of negotiations over the less conflict. Not everything has to be brave enough to come forward and give numbers in the budget, astonished that a knock-down, drag-out fight as it was voice to the importance of birth con- Republicans were willing to throw all on this highway bill. To think we wast- trol was targeted. First, her story of a those negotiations away over one issue, ed 3 weeks on a matter dealing with friend’s battle with ovarian cancer was and that was their attack on women’s the health of women in America, but purposely left out of a House hearing health. we did. So we stand ready to work with on women’s health. Then, as we have The attack on women’s rights is not our Republican colleagues. all heard, she was scorned and ridiculed just taking place in the Nation’s Cap- The Republican leader mentioned the by a rightwing pundit. ital. In State after State across the It was a galvanizing and eye-opening small business jobs bill. We have been country, legislators bent on putting moment for millions of women in our trying to do one for a long time. We are politics between women and their country. It was a reminder that some going to do a small business jobs bill. health care are undoing years of impor- still see women as easy targets, and it The House bill is not perfect. We are tant work. A recently enacted law in awakened many women to the fact glad it is moving forward, and we are Texas not only strips women of their that the gains we are meant to cele- going to try to do something here to rights but of their dignity. It is a law brate on a day such as today could eas- about which Nicholas Kristof of the match so we can get it to conference ily be lost to political strategy that New York Times recently wrote a col- and get this done. preys on women. I am hopeful that when Democrats For many of those who watched the umn. I ask unanimous consent to have the reach across the aisle, we will find will- last few weeks play out, it may have article written by Nicholas Kristof, ing partners on the other side for a seemed an isolated incident. It could ‘‘When States Abuse Women,’’ printed change. appear to some as a sudden and swift I thank the Chair. I ask that the effort by some Republicans—who in the RECORD at the conclusion of my Chair announce the business of the thankfully have been blocked for the remarks. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- day. time being—but that is not case. The pore. Without objection, it is so or- truth is, women’s access to care has f dered. rarely been at greater risk. From the RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME (See exhibit 1.) moment they came into power, the Re- Mrs. MURRAY. It is a law that all The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- publicans in the House of Representa- women across the country should be in- pore. Under the previous order, the tives have been waging a war on wom- sulted by and outraged over. Today, leadership time is reserved. en’s health. nearly 40 years after Roe v. Wade was f If you don’t believe me, look at the very first bills they introduced when passed, a woman in Texas who seeks an MORNING BUSINESS they arrived. They campaigned across abortion—one of the most difficult the country in the last election on a choices a woman and her family can The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- face—is not met with compassion and pore. Under the previous order, there platform of jobs and the economy, but the first three bills they introduced care but with humiliation, and that is will now be a period of morning busi- because they have passed a law by Re- ness for 1 hour, with Senators per- when they got here were direct attacks on women’s health. The very first one, publicans that she is now subjected, mitted to speak therein for up to 10 against her will, to a vaginal minutes each, with the time equally di- H.R. 1, would have totally eliminated title X funding for family planning and ultrasound. Then she is instructed to vided and controlled between the two listen to a fetal heartbeat, watch the leaders or their designees, with the ma- teen pregnancy prevention. The amend- ment also included defunding Planned ultrasound and numerous other State- jority controlling the first half and the mandated hurdles and then she has to Republicans controlling the second Parenthood and cutting off support for the millions of women who count on it. go home and wait 24 hours before she half. can access a health care procedure that The Senator from Washington. Another one of their bills would have permanently codified the Hyde amend- was made a right for women four dec- f ment and the DC abortion ban. ades ago. One would think that after 2 years INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Finally, they introduced a bill that would have rolled back every single spent railing against any government Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I come one of the gains we made for women in involvement in health care, Repub- to the floor to join my colleagues to the health care reform bill. That Re- licans would not want the State to dic- mark International Women’s Day. This publican bill would have removed the tate procedures a doctor must perform day, which across the globe is cele- caps on out-of-pocket expenses that lit- on a woman, whether she wants them brated in many different ways, is, at erally protect women from losing their or not, but then you would be confused its core, a day to reflect on the homes or their life savings if they get because, clearly, when it comes to achievements of women in politics, sick. It would have ended the ban on women and their health care choices, business, and society. It is a day to re- lifetime limits on coverage, which is so these Republicans are willing to do flect on what a woman’s role was in the important to everyone. It would have whatever it takes for them to call the not-so-distant past and to celebrate allowed insurance companies to once shots—not the women, not their doc- how far we have come. But, unfortu- again discriminate against women by tors, not their families. The sad part is nately, on this International Women’s charging them higher premiums than other States across the country are Day in the year 2012, we cannot cele- men or even denying women care be- now contemplating similar laws. brate the progress we have made with- cause of so-called preexisting condi- So the threats to women’s health out also acknowledging the unsettling tions they had, such as pregnancy. It care are very real and they are grow- truth that that progress is under would have rolled back the guarantee ing. We saw it on a panel on contracep- threat. of insurance companies’ coverage of tives in the House that didn’t include a Today a shadow has been cast over contraceptives. woman on the panel. We saw it in a this day of celebration by efforts to Republicans have shown they will go young woman being called horrible turn back the clock in Washington, DC, to just about any length to limit access names for telling the stories of a friend

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:17 Mar 09, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08MR6.003 S08MRPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S1498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 8, 2012 in need. We see it in Republican efforts cuts in family-planning programs, and limits Day, I stand with my colleagues to cel- to allow an employer to dictate wheth- on comprehensive sex education in schools. ebrate women who are making a dif- er a woman has access to contracep- If Texas legislators wanted to reduce abor- ference both in America and around tives, and we are seeing it in State tions, the obvious approach would be to re- the world, in countries where they lead duce unwanted pregnancies. The small pro- laws across the country aimed at strip- portion of women and girls who aren’t using in the fight for justice, equality, and ping women of their rights and more. contraceptives account for half of all abor- fairness for all women. All of us, So on this International Women’s tions in America, according to Guttmacher. women and men alike, can help by sup- Day, we celebrate our gains with the Yet Texas has some of the weakest sex-edu- porting women’s efforts to claim their clear understanding that they must al- cation programs in the nation, and last year legal rights, live free from violence, ways be defended, and we join with it cut spending for family planning by 66 per- earn a decent income, get an edu- women everywhere to make sure that cent. cation, grow food for their families, progress is not reversed. The new Texas law was passed last year and make their voices heard in their but was held up because of a lawsuit by the EXHIBIT 1 Center for Reproductive Rights. In a scath- communities and beyond. [The New York Times, Mar. 3, 2012] ing opinion, Judge Sam Sparks of Federal I believe in the power of women to WHEN STATES ABUSE WOMEN District Court described the law as ‘‘an at- change the world and to help them has- (By Nicholas D. Kristof) tempt by the Texas legislature to discourage ten that change. U.S. international as- women from exercising their constitutional sistance policies should address and re- Here’s what a woman in Texas now faces if rights.’’ In the end, the courts upheld the she seeks an abortion. move barriers between women, wom- law, and it took effect last month. Under a new law that took effect three en’s rights, and economic empower- It requires abortion providers to give weeks ago with the strong backing of Gov. ment. Empowering women is one of the women a list of crisis pregnancy centers Rick Perry, she first must typically endure where, in theory, they can get unbiased most critical tools in our toolbox to an ultrasound probe inserted into her vagina. counseling and in some cases ultrasounds. In fight poverty and injustice. Integrating Then she listens to the audio thumping of fact, these centers are often set up to en- the unique needs of women into our do- the fetal heartbeat and watches the fetus on snare pregnant women and shame them or mestic and international policies is an ultrasound screen. hound them if they are considering abor- She must listen to a doctor explain the critical. As chairman of the Foreign tions. body parts and internal organs of the fetus Relations Subcommittee on Inter- ‘‘They are traps for women, set up by the as they’re shown on the monitor. She signs a national Development and Foreign As- state of Texas,’’ Dr. Boyd said. document saying that she understands all sistance, Economic Affairs, and Inter- The law then requires the physician to go this, and it is placed in her medical files. Fi- over a politicized list of so-called dangers of national Environmental Protection, I nally, she goes home and must wait 24 hours abortion, like ‘‘the risks of infection and can attest that this must be the bed- before returning to get the abortion. hemorrhage’’ and ‘‘the possibility of in- rock of our foreign assistance program- ‘‘It’s state-sanctioned abuse,’’ said Dr. Cur- creased risk of breast cancer.’’ Then there is ming if it is to be successful. tis Boyd, a Texas physician who provides the mandated ultrasound, which in the first I defy anyone’s assertion that wom- abortions. ‘‘It borders on a definition of rape. trimester normally means a vaginal Many states describe rape as putting any ob- en’s empowerment should take a back- ultrasound. Doctors sometimes seek vaginal ject into an orifice against a person’s will. seat to so-called more important prior- ultrasounds before an abortion, with the pa- Well, that’s what this is. A woman is coerced ities. Decades of research and experi- tient’s consent, but it’s different when the to do this, just as I’m coerced.’’ ence prove that when women are able state forces women to undergo the proce- ‘‘The state of Texas is waging war on dure. to be fully engaged in society and hold women and their families,’’ Dr. Boyd added. The best formulation on this topic was Bill decisionmaking power, they are more ‘‘The new law is demeaning and disrespectful Clinton’s, that abortion should be ‘‘safe, likely to invest their income in food, to the women of Texas, and insulting to the legal and rare.’’ Achieving that isn’t easy, clean water, education, and health care doctors and nurses who care for them.’’ That law is part of a war over women’s and there is no silver bullet to reduce un- for their children. This creates a posi- health being fought around the country—and wanted pregnancies. But family planning and tive cycle change that lifts entire fami- in much of the country, women are losing. comprehensive sex education are a surer lies and communities and nations out State by state, legislatures are creating new path than demeaning vulnerable women with of poverty. Simply put, when women state-sanctioned abuse and humiliation. obstacles to abortions and are treating succeed, we all do. women in ways that are patronizing and I yield the floor. Accordingly, I was very pleased by humiliating. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- last week’s release of the new USAID Twenty states now require abortion pro- pore. The Senator from Maryland. ‘‘Policy on Gender Equality and Fe- viders to conduct ultrasounds first in some Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I thank situations, according to the Guttmacher In- male Empowerment,’’ which makes in- Senator MURRAY for her comments, stitute, a research organization. The new tegrating gender and including women Texas law is the most extreme to take effect and I concur in her observations. What and girls central to all U.S. inter- so far, but similar laws have been passed in we have seen on women’s health care national assistance. This policy, which North Carolina and Oklahoma and are on issues in this body is how some are try- updates guidelines that were over 30 hold pending legal battles. ing to turn the clock back on the years old, recognizes that the integra- Alabama, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Mis- progress we have made. I was listening tion of women and girls is basic to ef- sissippi are also considering Texas-style leg- to my colleague talk about fective international assistance across islation bordering on state-sanctioned rape. ultrasounds. Virginia just enacted an all sectors such as food, security, And what else do you call it when states ultrasound bill this week. The Gov- mandate invasive probes in women’s bodies? health, climate change, science, tech- ‘‘If you look up the term rape, that’s what ernor signed it into law, so this is nology, economic growth, democracy it is: the penetration of the vagina without spreading to other States. We talk and governance and humanitarian as- the woman’s consent,’’ said Linda Coleman, about big government, but the govern- sistance. It aims to increase the capac- an Alabama state senator who is fighting the ment mandating ultrasounds for preg- ity of women and girls and decrease in- proposal in her state. ‘‘As a woman, I am nant women? This is outrageous and equality between genders and also de- livid and outraged.’’ something that on International Wom- crease gender-based violence. This new States put in place a record number of new en’s Day, it is right that we bring this restrictions on abortions last year, policy is as welcomed as it is nec- Guttmacher says. It counts 92 new curbs in to the attention of our colleagues. We essary. As Secretary Clinton declared 24 states. have seen the same type of action earlier this year: ‘‘It was a debacle,’’ Elizabeth Nash, who taken against family planning, contra- Achieving our objectives for global devel- manages state issues for Guttmacher, told ceptives, those who want to repeal Roe opment will demand accelerated efforts to me. ‘‘It’s been awful. Last year was unbeliev- v. Wade. We have to stand strong with achieve gender equality and women’s em- able. We’ve never seen anything like it.’’ women and women’s health care issues powerment. Otherwise, peace and prosperity Yes, there have been a few victories for as we in America lead the inter- will have their own glass ceiling. women. The notorious Virginia proposal that national community. Unfortunately, as we know, there are would have required vaginal ultrasounds be- fore an abortion was modified to require only Around the world, International still places this glass ceiling exists and abdominal ultrasounds. Women’s Day is an occasion to honor there are major obstacles to women. Yet over all, the pattern has been retro- and praise women for their accomplish- Worldwide, one in three women will ex- grade: humiliating obstacles to abortions, ments. On this International Women’s perience some form of violence in her

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:17 Mar 09, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08MR6.004 S08MRPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE March 8, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1499 lifetime. Women and girls in emer- the 100th anniversary of International ordinator of UPPs in the State Security Sec- gencies, conflict settings, and natural Women’s Day. Today is the 101st anni- retariat, where she is integrating previously disasters often face extreme violence, versary and, as is the centennial mile- marginalized populations into the larger Rio de Janeiro community.’’ including being forced to exchange sex stone before it, it is a testament to the Bio: Pricilla de Oliveira Azevedo is a mili- for food. The World Health Organiza- dedication and determination of tary police officer, currently working as tion has reported that up to 70 percent women and men around the world to General Coordinator of Strategic Programs of women in some countries describe address gender inequality for the good for the ‘‘Police Pacification Units’’ (UPPs), having been victims of domestic vio- of all people. Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Public lence at some stage in their lives. There are more than 3.3 billion Security’s renowned ‘‘favela’’ (slum) pac- The United States has the potential women in the world today. Across the ification program. Major Azevedo joined the Rio de Janeiro Military police in 1998 and, to be a true leader in preventing and globe, women are participating in the following her graduation in 2000, started responding to violence against women political, social, and economic life of working in police battalions and street re- and girls—an issue that is inextricably their communities in an unprecedented pression operations. In 2007, Major Azevedo linked to U.S. diplomacy, development, fashion, playing a critical role in pro- demonstrated extreme courage and commit- and national security goals. viding and caring for their families, ment to her duties by successfully arresting What many people fail to realize is contributing substantially to the a gang of criminals who had kidnapped her. that violence against women and girls growth of economies, and advancing As a result of her courage and success, the is both a major consequence and cause Rio de Janeiro State Secretary for Security food security for their communities. invited her to head the first UPP in Rio de of poverty. Violence and poverty go Yesterday I had the wonderful, hum- Janeiro, in the ‘‘favela’’ of Santa Marta, a hand in hand. Violence prevents women bling, and inspiring opportunity to rec- position she occupied between 2008 to 2010. In and girls from getting an education, ognize and celebrate the 10 recipients this capacity, she commanded 125 military going to work, and earning the income of the 2012 State Department Inter- police officers in an area with 9,000 inhab- they need to lift their families out of national Women of Courage Award. itants and a very low human development poverty. We know that one in three This prestigious award, which is the index. During her two years in Santa Marta, women will be the victim of sexual only award in the State Department Major Azevedo shut down drug dealing oper- abuse in her lifetime. But we also know ations in the favela, established conflict me- given only to women, annually recog- diation models, worked with state and local that women have the potential to lift nizes women who have shown excep- government institutions to improve garbage their families and communities out of tional courage and leadership in advo- collection and health care, broadened edu- poverty. cating for women’s rights and em- cation and technical training opportunities, Violence against women and girls is powerment around the globe, often at and developed a successful community arts an extreme human rights violation, a significant risk to themselves. These and crafts fair. public health epidemic, and a barrier award winners, including activists in In 2009, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes invited Major Pricilla to become a to solving severe challenges such as ex- the Sudan and Saudi Arabia, politi- treme poverty, HIV/AIDS, and conflict. member of the Brazilian delegation in the cians in Turkey and Afghanistan, and 2016 Olympics Announcement in Copenhagen. It devastates the lives of millions of representatives from six other coun- In the same year she completed training on women and girls—in peacetime and in tries, are truly remarkable and inspira- Koban community policing techniques, and conflict—and knows no national and tional women. participated in a citizen safety training in cultural barriers. I ask unanimous consent to have all Israel. Major Azevedo is currently com- Today let’s reaffirm our commitment of their names and brief bios printed in pleting her law degree in Esta´ cio de Sa´ Uni- versity. to end gender-based discrimination in the RECORD so that they are properly all forms, to end violence against Major Azevedo is the most senior female recognized by the Senate. officer in the UPP program, and the first women and girls worldwide, and to en- There being no objection, the mate- woman to occupy a strategic position in the courage the people of the United States rial was ordered to be printed in the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Secu- to observe International Women’s Day. RECORD, as follows: rity’s Superintendence of Operational Plan- On this day and every day, I am proud AFGHANISTAN ning. She has received honor awards from the city councils of Rio de Janeiro, Tangua´ to stand in support of women across Maryam Durani—Director, Khadija Kubra and Itaboraı´. She is also a recipient of the America and worldwide. Women’s Association for Culture, Kandahar United Nations Brazilian Force’s 50th Anni- Investing in and focusing on empow- Provincial Council Member. versary Medal. In 2009, Veja Magazine gave ering women and girls is one of the Award Citation: ‘‘For striving to give a Major Pricilla Azevedo the Rio de Janeiro most efficient uses of our foreign as- voice to women through the power of the Personality of the Year Award, with the title media, government, and civil society, despite sistance dollars and one of the best of ‘‘Defender of the City’’. ways to make the world more peaceful innumerable security and societal chal- lenges.’’ and prosperous. As Secretary of State BURMA Bio: Kandahar Province is among Afghani- Clinton pointed out more than 15 years Zin Mar Aung—Democracy Activist. stan’s most conservative and most dan- ago, ‘‘Women’s rights are human Award Citation: ‘‘For championing democ- gerous—but that has not stopped Maryam racy, strengthening civil society, and em- rights’’—and nothing is more funda- Durani from speaking out for the rights of mental, in my opinion. powering individuals to contribute meaning- Afghan women and girls. As a member of fully to the political transformation of With that, Mr. President, I yield the Kandahar’s Provincial Council, director of Burma.’’ floor. the non-profit Khadija Kubra Women’s Asso- Bio: Zin Mar Aung is a former political The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ciation for Culture, and owner and manager prisoner, imprisoned for eleven years be- pore. The Senator from New Hamp- of the only local, female-focused radio sta- cause of her political activism. She has dedi- shire. tion, she is both a leader and a role model for cated her life to promdting democracy, wom- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am women throughout Afghanistan. A true en’s empowerment, and conflict resolution in woman of courage, Ms. Durani has survived very pleased to join my colleagues Sen- Burma. Following her involvement in the multiple attacks on her life, including a sui- 1996 and 1998 pro-democracy student ator CARDIN and, earlier, Senator MUR- cide attack in 2009 that resulted in serious uprisings and subsequent imprisonment, Zin RAY this morning in commemorating injury. Although she continues to face reg- Mar Aung established a cultural impact International Women’s Day. It is a day ular threats, she is undeterred in her mission studies group to promote the idea that de- observed around the world, and it cele- to promote basic civil rights for all Afghans. mocracy is compatible with Asian culture. brates the economic, political, and so- She also created and leads a self-help asso- cial achievement of women—past, BRAZIL ciation for female ex-political prisoners and present, and future. It is a day that Major Pricilla de Oliveira Azevedo—Gen- a school of political science in Rangoon, all recognizes the obstacles women still eral Coordinator for Strategic Programs, Rio of which teach and empower others in Bur- face in the struggle for equal rights de Janeiro State Secretariat of Public Secu- ma’s changing but still challenging environ- rity, and Major of Rio State Military Police. ment for civil society and democracy activ- and equal opportunities. Award Citation: ‘‘For courageous and dedi- ists. She is co-founder of RAINFALL, a wom- One year ago today, I, along with a cated service to Rio State’s innovative en’s empowerment group; and is currently group of bipartisan Senators, intro- ‘‘Favela Pacification Program’’ as the first spearheading an organization to raise aware- duced and passed a resolution in the female commander of a Pacification Police ness of issues affecting ethnic minorities in Senate recognizing the significance of Unit (community police station), and as co- conflict areas.

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COLOMBIA documentary films on domestic violence SUDAN Jineth Bedoya Lima—Journalist and that had a profound impact on altering pub- Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih—Human Spokeswoman of the ‘‘Rape and Other Vio- lic views of domestic violence. In 2009, Ms. Rights Activist. lence: Take my Body Out of the War’’ Cam- Ahmed played an instrumental role in orga- Award Citation: ‘‘For giving a voice to the paign. nizing a coalition of NGOs and individuals women and children of Darfur and her fear- Award Citation: ‘‘For her unfailing cour- who are advocating pioneering legislation on less advocacy for the rights of all age, determination, and perseverance fight- domestic violence that is currently before marginalized Darfuris.’’ ing for justice and speaking out on behalf of the Maldivian parliament. After leaving gov- Bio: Hailing from North Darfur, Hawa and victims of sexual violence in Colombia.’’ ernment service, she founded the NGO ‘‘Hope her family were forced to flee their home vil- Bio: Throughout her 15-year career as an for Women’’ and began conducting inter- lage in 2003 due to fighting between Darfuri investigative journalist, Jineth Bedoya has active sessions on gender-based violence rebels and gonrnwt forces. As a result, she consistently sought out tough assignments, with high school students, Maldives Police spent much of her young adult life in Abu despite knowing the risks it could entail. In Services, and other frontline workers. When Shouk internally displaced persons (IDP) 2000, she began to uncover an arms smug- religious scholars began identifying female camp in El Fasher, North Darfur, where she gling network between government security circumcision as a Sunnah in Islam on na- emerged as a prominent human rights activ- forces and imprisoned paramilitaries in a tional radio, Ms. Ahmed asked the govern- ist. After graduating from the University of maximum security prison. On May 25, 2000, ment to intervene, and gave an interview to El Fasher, she worked on issues of human as she arrived at the prison to interview a a local news channel about the harmful ef- rights, rule of law, and governance with the key paramilitary member, unknown men fects of female circumcision. By openly dis- United Nations Development Program grabbed Jineth, threw her into a vehicle, cussing issues like domestic violence and fe- (UNDP) and assisted various NGOs working drugged her, and drove her to a farm several male circumcision, and conducting aware- on human rights. Hawa became a voice for hours outside Bogota. There, the men repeat- ness workshops through Hope for Women the IDPs, speaking out about human rights edly raped her, bound her, and left her in a NGO, Ms. Ahmed plays a key role in bringing abuses and advocating for women’s and chil- garbage dump at the side of a road where a these issues into the public discourse and dren’s rights in the IDP camps. For her advo- taxi driver discovered her later that evening. pressing the government to take action. cacy, Hawa has been persecuted and detained As the men raped her, they told her, ‘‘Pay on multiple occasions by the Government of attention. We are sending a message to the PAKISTAN Sudan. As a result, she was forced to flee Sudan in 2011. In spite of the personal harass- press in Colombia.’’ Since this horrifying in- Shad Begum—Executive Director, ment and political challenges that she has cident nearly 12 years ago, Jineth has con- Anjuman Behbood-e-Khawateen Talash. tinued her work as an investigative jour- faced, Hawa hopes to return to her homeland Award Citation: ‘‘For fearlessly cham- nalist while pushing for justice in her own to continue defending the rights of Darfuris, pioning Pakistani women’s political and eco- case and other unsolved cases of sexual vio- and in particular the rights of women and nomic rights and empowering the disadvan- lence. Jineth has become an inspiration not children. taged and oppressed.’’ only for female journalists, but for all Bio: Shad Begum is a courageous human women who are demanding justice in their TURKEY rights activist and leader who has changed own cases. Since September 2009, she has Safak Pavey—Member of Parliament, the political context for women in the ex- served as spokeswoman of Oxfam’s cam- Turkish General National Assembly. tremely conservative district of Dir. Khyber paign, ‘‘Rape and Other Violence: Take my Award Citation: ‘‘For her personal dignity Pakhtunkhwa. As founder and executive di- Body out of the War.’’ She now appears in and courage not only in overcoming physical rector of Anjuman Behbood-e-Khawateen TV ads denouncing sexual violence as part of disabilities, but also emerging as an effective Talash (the Union of Women’s Welfare), Ms. the campaign and has used her journalistic local and global champion of the rights of Shad provides political training, micro- influence to draw more attention to the women, minority groups, refugees and dis- credit, primary education, and health serv- issues of sexual violence and impunity. abled persons.’’ ices to women in the most conservative Bio: Safak Pavey, the first disabled woman areas of Pakistan. Ms. Shad not only empow- LIBYA elected to the Turkish Parliament, has dem- ered the women of Dir to vote and run for of- Hana Elhebshi—Freelance Activist. onstrated great personal dignity in over- fice, but she herself ran and won local Dis- coming physical obstacles each and every Award Citation: ‘‘For courageous advance- trict Councilor seats in the 2001 and 2005 ment of the cause of freedom of expression day, while locally and globally championing elections, going against local conservatives the rights of vulnerable populations, includ- and promotion of women’s rights during who tried to ban female participation. De- times of conflict and transition in Libya.’’ ing refugees and disabled persons. Whether spite numerous direct threats to her life and working in extreme conditions for the Bio: Ms. Hana El Hebshi is a 26-year-old her family, including recent calls for suicide Libyan architect who, during the long United Nations High Commission on Refu- attacks against her by local extremists, Ms. gees (UNHCR) in the Middle East, South months of the Libyan revolution, became a Shad continues to work out of Peshawar to symbol of solidarity and a model of courage Asia and Africa, or acting as a lightning rod improve the lives of women in the commu- to spark the UN Interagency Support Group to many across the country. Working under nities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. the pseudonym ‘‘Numidia,’’ a reference to for the Convention on the Rights of Persons the ancient Berber kingdom and to her own with Disabilities, Pavey has sought to turn Berber heritage, Hana contributed greatly to SAUDI ARABIA her disability into strength on a global level. proper documentation of the violence and tu- Samar Badawi—Human Rights Activist, Undaunted by her own challenges, she is also mult of the revolution. She also became a Monitor of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia. an agent of change at home. Pavey endeav- symbol of hope to the Libyan people that the Award Citation: ‘‘For demonstrating sig- ored to foster acceptance for the Armenian world was aware of the suffering they were nificant courage in her activism while be- community in Turkey, and is one of a small enduring and that hope was on the way. coming a champion in the struggle for wom- number of non-Armenians who wrote for the Thanks to her contribution to freedom of en’s suffrage and legal rights in Saudi Ara- Armenian Turkish newspaper, Agos. After expression and advancing women’s rights, bia.’’ winning a seat in the Turkish parliament in she became a real symbol for the Libyan Bio: In one of the world’s most restrictive June 2011, Pavey is continuing to empower women’s contribution to the revolution. environments for women, Samar Badawi is a and give voice to disabled persons, women, Post revolution, Hana, in addition to her powerful voice for two of the most signifi- and minority populations. work as an architect, will continue to play a cant issues facing Saudi women: women’s Mrs. SHAHEEN. This morning I wish leadership role in women’s empowerment in suffrage and the guardianship system, under to pick just one of these amazing Libya. which women cannot marry, work, or travel women and tell her story. outside the country without the permission Shad Begum is the executive director MALDIVES of a guardian (male relative). In a landmark of the Union of Women’s Welfare in one Aneesa Ahmed—Founder Member and case, Badawi was the first woman to sue her Chairperson, Hope for Women NGO. guardian (her father) for abusing the legal of the most extremely conservative Award Citation: ‘‘For courageous advocacy system and preventing her from marrying districts in all of Pakistan. As the for women’s rights and protection from do- the suitor of her choice. Badawi is also the founder and executive director of the mestic violence.’’ first woman to file a lawsuit against the gov- program the Union of Women’s Wel- Bio: Aneesa Ahmed stands out as a staunch ernment demanding the right for women to fare, she provides political training, advocate for ending gender-based violence in vote and participate in municipal elections. microcredit, primary education, and Maldives. While serving as Deputy Minister She launched an online campaign to encour- health services to women throughout of Women’s Affairs, Ms. Ahmed raised the age other Saudi women to file similar suits. her community. She not only encour- issue of domestic violence at a time when The efforts of activists like Badawi helped the subject was taboo in Maldives. As a encourage a royal decree allowing women to aged others to run for office, she her- member of the National Women’s Council, vote and run for office in future municipal self ran for a district counselor seat in she held focus group discussions and worked elections, and to be appointed to the Con- 2001 and 2005, winning the seat against with a local NGO to produce a series of short sultative Council. local conservatives who tried to ban

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:43 Mar 09, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08MR6.002 S08MRPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE March 8, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1501 women from participating. Despite nu- Mr. ISAKSON. Thank you, Mr. Presi- That is not a motto just for the Girl merous threats to her life and her fam- dent. Scouts but one that would serve us all ily, including calls for suicide attacks well in this body. against her by local extremists, she f So on this International Women’s continues to work to improve the lives 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GIRL Day on March 8, I would like to ac- of women throughout Pakistan. SCOUTS OF AMERICA knowledge that on Monday, when we Ms. Shad is one of 10 remarkable are not here, around the world women women the State Department honored Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I am will celebrate the founding of the Girl this year. Every one of these 10 stories proud to stand here today on Inter- Scouts of America, and the 3.2 million is inspirational, but they also rep- national Women’s Day, the 8th day of Girl Scouts in America today will be resent literally millions of women March, 2012, to pay tribute to women building for the future the Acting around the globe who are out there around the world but also to acknowl- President pro tempore and I work for fighting and suffering to be heard. edge that women around the world, on today in this body, the U.S. Senate. There are countless women who don’t Monday, March 12, will celebrate the I yield back the remainder of my receive the recognition they deserve 100th anniversary of the founding of time and suggest the absence of a and who continue to be silenced by per- the Girl Scouts of America, founded in quorum. secution and harassment. Today we Savannah, GA, a beautiful town, by a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- recognize, honor, and celebrate all of wonderful Georgia lady, Juliette Gor- pore. The clerk will call the roll. those nameless, faceless women around don Low. Girl Scouts around the world The legislative clerk proceeded to the world who are continuing the fight. will be celebrating the founding of that call the roll. Far too many women remain ex- great organization, which has had a Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, I ask cluded from full participation in soci- positive effect on women around the unanimous consent that the order for ety, to the detriment of their commu- world. the quorum call be rescinded. nities, their countries, and the world. Each of us right now is well aware of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Although strides have been made in re- the Girl Scouts because of boxes like pore. Without objection, it is so or- cent decades, women across the globe this box the Acting President pro tem- dered. pore gave me permission to display, continue to face significant obstacles f which is what is left of a box of Thin in all aspects of their lives, including SURFACE TRANSPORATION ACT the denial of basic human rights, dis- Mints. The Girl Scouts sell boxes of crimination, and gender-based vio- cookies this time of year to raise Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, later lence. According to the World Bank, money for their operations around the today I will be down on the floor to women make up 70 percent of all indi- world. I eat far too many of them. offer a budget point of order on the viduals living in poverty. Women ac- They are good. They are good for me, highway bill. I have been down here count for 64 percent of the adults they are good for America, and they several times over the course of the worldwide who lack basic literacy are good for the Girl Scouts and the last several days. skills. Women continue to remain vast- fundraising they do. I think most in this body—a large ly underrepresented in national and The Girl Scouts is an organization of majority of people in this body—have local governments around the world. leadership, developing women for the been a part of encouraging us to, in a So there is no doubt that we have a future. While only 17 percent of this very bipartisan way, solve the budget lot of work to do, but all of society body are women, almost all of them problems we have in this country. benefits when women are more fully in- were Girl Scouts. Almost all women of There were 64 of us—32 on each side of tegrated into their communities and business were Girl Scouts. And almost the aisle—who signed a letter to the their villages around the world. In the all women who were in Girl Scouts pay President encouraging him to really words of President Obama, ‘‘Our com- tribute to the Girl Scouts of America adopt some of the principles that were mon prosperity will be advanced by al- and the contribution they have made laid out in Bowles-Simpson. After that, lowing all humanity—men and to their lives. There are 3.2 million ac- there was a very large number of Sen- women—to reach their full potential.’’ tive Girl Scouts in America today, and ators on both sides of the aisle who As we reflect on the past, present, there are 50 million Girl Scout alumni signed a letter to the supercommittee and future achievements of women, I in America. That has a tremendous im- asking them to go big and really deal believe it is important to recognize the pact on all that is right about America. in a serious way with the budget issues, vital and untapped resource that The Girl Scouts have been the deficit issues with which our coun- women represent for our world. The pacesetters. Dr. Martin Luther King, try is dealing. ability of women to realize their full Jr., a native of my city of Atlanta and I have been down here multiple times potential is critical to the ability of a a native of our State that Juliette Low talking about the various oddities in nation to achieve strong and lasting was from, cited the Girl Scouts of this bill. What is getting ready to hap- economic growth, political and social America as ‘‘a force for desegregation’’ pen in this bill is that we are actually, stability, and enhanced security for all during the troubled times of the 1950s over the next 2 years, going to create a its people. and 1960s. The Girl Scouts were at the $10 billion to $11 billion deficit. Be- Thank you very much, Mr. President. forefront of integration and leadership cause of the various gimmickry we use, I yield the floor and note the absence for youth. we are figuring out ways to get around of a quorum. The Girl Scouts of America also that. One of the budget gimmicks we The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pledge themselves and they make a are using in the bill is that we are pore. The clerk will call the roll. promise, which I would like to read. going to spend the money over a 2-year The legislative clerk proceeded to On my honor, I will try: period but pay for it over a 10-year pe- call the roll. To serve God and my country, riod—2 years worth of spending, 10 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask To help people at all times, years worth of revenues. unanimous consent that the order for And to live by the Girl Scout law. I think the Acting President pro tem- the quorum call be rescinded. Which reads: pore was here during the period of time The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I will do my best to be we had the health care debate in our pore. Without objection, it is so or- honest and fair, Nation, and many of the folks on my dered. friendly and helpful, side of the aisle, rightfully so, were Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I would considerate and caring, concerned about the health care bill also like to ask the permission of the courageous and strong, and because there were 6 years’ worth of Chair to display this box during my re- responsible for what I say and do, costs and 10 years’ worth of revenues, and to respect myself and others, marks. respect authority, and a lot of people thought that was a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- use resources wisely, budget gimmick. Candidly, many of my pore. Without objection, it is so or- make the world a better place, and friends on the other side of the aisle, dered. be a sister to every Girl Scout. while they may have supported the

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