H8870 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2007 effort to express the sense of this Con- year to urge that restrictions should be lifted The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gress that we will remember our friend- for high-level visits by appointed and demo- question is on the motion offered by ships and that we will honor those rela- cratically elected leaders of Taiwan. the gentleman from American Samoa tionships, that we do understand the Our misguided Taiwan policy is nothing (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House importance of the future and the past new. The so-called ‘‘One China’’ policy is a bi- suspend the rules and agree to the con- as we consider who we will spend our partisan mistake—begun in the Nixon-Kis- current resolution, H. Con. Res. 136, as time with. And we as a Nation must singer era and exacerbated by President amended. understand that our government’s ac- Carter’s abrogation of our Mutual Defense The question was taken; and (two- tions are reflecting every day a value Treaty in 1980. It continues to this day. thirds being in the affirmative) the system. Those value systems should re- Just last week, dozens of Members of Con- rules were suspended and the concur- flect what we, the American people, gress welcomed Taiwan’s Democrat Progres- rent resolution, as amended, was would have, not what seems politically sive Party’s nominee for the Presidency, Mr. agreed to. correct or convenient at the moment. Frank Hsieh, to our Nation’s Capitol. There A motion to reconsider was laid on That is not the way I want to be was a little gallows humor at the gathering be- the table. judged, and I don’t think it is the way cause, in fact, if Mr. Hsieh wins the election f that people in this House want to be next year, he will no longer be able to come SENSE OF HOUSE THAT JAPAN judged. I urge all Members to support to visit with his friends in Washington, D.C. SHOULD APOLOGIZE FOR ITS IM- this resolution to send a loud message Our insulting policy toward our democratic PERIAL ARMED FORCE’S COER- to our friends in Taiwan that we do re- friend and ally should be cast aside to reflect CION OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO member you and we do welcome you. the reality of our strong relationship with Tai- SEXUAL SLAVERY Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wan. Taiwan is a vibrant of some Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to yield back the balance of my time. 23,000,000. It is our 8th largest trading partner Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, suspend the rules and agree to the reso- and the world’s 18th largest economy. The lution (H. Res. 121) expressing the sense I commend the gentleman from New Taiwanese people enjoy a full range of free- Mexico (Mr. PEARCE) for his eloquent of the House of Representatives that doms not enjoyed on the other side of the Tai- the Government of Japan should for- statement in support of this resolution. wan Strait—freedom of religion, freedom of Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- mally acknowledge, apologize, and ac- the press, and freedom to elect all of their port of House Concurrent Resolution 136. ... cept historical responsibility in a clear This common-sense legislation is long over- leaders. and unequivocal manner for its Impe- Taiwan is a model for young due. rial Armed Force’s coercion of young This resolution will help open the lines of and a great friend to the . We women into sexual slavery, known to communication between government leaders should recognize that friendship by aban- the world as ‘‘comfort women’’, during in Taiwan, and their counterparts here in the doning our insulting policy on high level visits its colonial and wartime occupation of United States. and welcoming our Taiwanese friends with Asia and the Pacific Islands from the The resolution makes it clear once again open arms. It is the right thing to do. 1930s through the duration of World that the U.S. Department of State that they I urge support of the resolution. War II, as amended. should not take actions to prevent high level Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in The Clerk read the title of the resolu- exchanges between the government of Taiwan strong support of H. Con. Res. 136 which ex- tion. and the government of the United States. I presses the sense of Congress that restric- The text of the resolution is as fol- say ‘‘again’’ because Federal law already tions on visits to the United States by high- lows: makes it clear that high ranking Taiwanese of- level elected officials from Taiwan—including H. RES. 121 ficials are already explicitly authorized to visit the President of Taiwan—should be lifted. And Whereas the Government of Japan, during the United States. I thank my friend, Mr. CHABOT of Ohio, for in- its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia Public Law 103–416 says that the President troducing this important resolution. and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s of Taiwan or any other high-level should be Taiwan is without a doubt one of the most through the duration of World War II, offi- admitted for discussions with U.S. government important allies of the United States in the cially commissioned the acquisition of Asia Pacific region. Taiwan is a rising eco- young women for the sole purpose of sexual officials about important policy issues unless servitude to its Imperial Armed Forces, who he or she is excludable under the immigration nomic power and has consistently ranked as one of the top ten U.S. export markets. In became known to the world as ianfu or laws of the United States. ‘‘comfort women’’; Unfortunately, like so many other laws this 2005, U.S.—Taiwan bilateral trade totaled $57 Whereas the ‘‘comfort women’’ system of Congress has passed, is simply ignored by billion. In addition, our political ties with Tai- forced military prostitution by the Govern- the State Department. The Department seems wan have become ever more important in a ment of Japan, considered unprecedented in more interested in complying with communist world where China is increasing its global its cruelty and magnitude, included gang China’s demands than in following the laws reach. rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sex- made by this democratically elected Congress. I am the Chairman of the House Foreign Af- ual violence resulting in mutilation, death, As a result of this defiance, it has become fairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemi- or eventual suicide in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th cen- nearly impossible for President Chen, Vice sphere. In Central America and the Caribbean, I have seen China continue to expand its tury; President Annette Lu and other high ranking Whereas some new textbooks used in Japa- Taiwanese officials travel to Washington, DC presence while Taiwan becomes increasingly nese schools seek to downplay the ‘‘comfort even for routine meetings with administration isolated. Given these realities in our own women’’ tragedy and other Japanese war officials. Instead, these officials are often con- hemisphere, I believe that we must work crimes during World War II; fined to cities far from the Nation’s Capital, closely with Taiwan to increase its global visi- Whereas Japanese public and private offi- and often only then as a point of transit en bility and membership in international organi- cials have recently expressed a desire to di- route to another country. This is unconscion- zations when it is strategically and politically lute or rescind the 1993 statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the ‘‘com- able. feasible. Given our strong political and economic re- fort women’’, which expressed the Govern- Mr. Speaker, we host all kinds of foreign ment’s sincere apologies and remorse for leaders in Washington because a two-way dia- lationship, it would seem inconceivable that their ordeal; logue is important for maintaining and improv- we would place restrictions on high-level elect- Whereas the Government of Japan did sign ing our cultural, economic—and yes—security ed officials of Taiwan during their visits to the the 1921 International Convention for the interests around the world. Keeping an open United States. Taiwan is a key U.S. ally which Suppression of the Traffic in Women and channel with our democratic allies in Taiwan is is trying hard to maintain its international posi- Children and supported the 2000 United Na- part of that process. tion, and we should give Taiwan our strong tions Security Council Resolution 1325 on I am pleased that my friend Mr. CHABOT has support. I commend Mr. CHABOT for intro- Women, Peace, and Security which recog- worked so hard to bring this bill to the floor ducing this important resolution and hope that nized the unique impact on women of armed conflict; today. And I strongly support his efforts to Congress can work closely with the Bush Ad- Whereas the House of Representatives help improve our communication with our ministration to ensure that these restrictions commends Japan’s efforts to promote human friends and allies in Taiwan. are actually removed. security, human rights, democratic values, Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, it’s very unfortu- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield back and rule of law, as well as for being a sup- nate that we have to come back year after the balance of my time. porter of Security Council Resolution 1325;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:09 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.080 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE July 30, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8871 Whereas the United States-Japan alliance colleague, the gentleman from Cali- ‘‘licensed prostitution that was com- is the cornerstone of United States security fornia (Mr. HONDA), for introducing monplace around the world at the interests in Asia and the Pacific and is fun- this very important resolution and for time.’’ This is a ludicrous and infuri- damental to regional stability and pros- all his hard work to give voice to the ating assertion. perity; Our resolution calls on the Govern- Whereas, despite the changes in the post- so-called ‘‘comfort women.’’ cold war strategic landscape, the United Mr. Speaker, the true strength of a ment of Japan officially to acknowl- States-Japan alliance continues to be based nation is tested when it is forced to edge and to apologize for the appalling on shared vital interests and values in the confront the darkest chapters in its acts that Imperial Japan committed Asia-Pacific region, including the preserva- history. Will it have the courage to against the so-called ‘‘comfort tion and promotion of political and economic face up to the truth of its own past, or women.’’ It seeks admission of an ap- freedoms, support for human rights and will it run from that truth in the fool- palling truth. Failure to do so would democratic institutions, and the securing of ish hope that truth will fade with time. signal to others around the globe that prosperity for the people of both countries The Government of Japan’s unwill- such horrors can be perpetrated again and the international community; and treated just as cavalierly as they Whereas the House of Representatives ingness to offer a formal and unequivo- commends those Japanese officials and pri- cal apology to the women forced by its have been in this case. vate citizens whose hard work and compas- Army to be sex slaves during World But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, sion resulted in the establishment in 1995 of War II stands in stark contrast to Ja- it speaks out for the victims of this Japan’s private Asian Women’s Fund; pan’s positive role in the world today. monstrous system who were terrorized Whereas the Asian Women’s Fund has Japan is a proud global leader and a and brutalized by men at war. It gives raised $5,700,000 to extend ‘‘atonement’’ from valued ally of the United States, which voice to these courageous women the Japanese people to the comfort women; makes its unwillingness to account whom others have tried to silence and through shame, bigotry, and threats of Whereas the mandate of the Asian Wom- honestly for this part of its past all the more perplexing. further violence. en’s Fund, a government-initiated and large- It is appropriate that this House ly government-funded private foundation The U.S.-Japan relationship, Mr. stand up for these women who ask only whose purpose was the carrying out of pro- Speaker, is the bedrock of peace and that the truth be honored. The world grams and projects with the aim of atone- stability in the Asia-Pacific region. awaits a full reckoning of history from ment for the maltreatment and suffering of Our reliance and friendship are based the Japanese Government. the ‘‘comfort women’’, came to an end on on mutual respect and admiration. And March 31, 2007, and the Fund has been dis- I strongly support this resolution, together, we have helped promote our banded as of that date: Now, therefore, be it and I urge all of my colleagues to do Resolved, That it is the sense of the House shared values of democracy, economic the same. of Representatives that the Government of opportunity and human rights through- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Japan— out Asia. Yet Japan’s refusal to make my time. (1) should formally acknowledge, apolo- an official government apology once Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I gize, and accept historical responsibility in a and for all to the women who suffered yield myself such time as I may con- clear and unequivocal manner for its Impe- as so-called ‘‘comfort women’’ is dis- sume. rial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women turbing to everyone who values the into sexual slavery, known to the world as I rise also in support of this resolu- ‘‘comfort women’’, during its colonial and U.S.-Japan relationship. tion, which strikes an important bal- wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific No nation can disregard its own past, ance, protecting the integrity of his- Islands from the 1930s through the duration neither the actions of a few nor the ac- tory and recognizing present-day re- of World War II; tions of many. Inhumane deeds should ality. It also addresses an issue of great (2) would help to resolve recurring ques- be fully acknowledged, a spotlight significance for the peoples of the Asia tions about the sincerity and status of prior shined on the whole truth. This is es- Pacific region. statements if the Prime Minister of Japan sential to national reconciliation, and The tragedy of the ‘‘comfort were to make such an apology as a public it helps the victims to heal. With- women,’’ the thousands of Asian and statement in his official capacity; European women forced into sexual (3) should clearly and publicly refute any holding that acknowledgment only claims that the sexual enslavement and traf- compounds the cruelty. slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during the first half of the 20th cen- ficking of the ‘‘comfort women’’ for the Jap- b 1445 anese Imperial Armed Forces never occurred; tury, was a horrific crime. For the sur- and Post-war Germany, with the most viving ‘‘comfort women’’ these issues (4) should educate current and future gen- horrendous crimes in its history, made are not historical; they are profoundly erations about this horrible crime while fol- the right choice. Japan, on the other personal. Some of them were in our lowing the recommendations of the inter- hand, has actively promoted historical Foreign Affairs Committee when this national community with respect to the amnesia. bill was marked up. Attempts to deny ‘‘comfort women’’. The facts, Mr. Speaker, are plain. or minimize these facts are a disservice The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- There can be no denying that the Japa- to future generations. ant to the rule, the gentleman from nese Imperial military coerced thou- The case of Darfur, which we spoke (Mr. LANTOS) and the gentle- sands upon thousands of Asian women, about earlier today, Mr. Speaker, re- woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- primarily Chinese and Koreans, into minds us all that the issue of the use of LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. sexual slavery during the Second World military force to abuse women, to The Chair recognizes the gentleman War. abuse children through rape and exploi- from California. The continued efforts by some in tation is one which we need to look at GENERAL LEAVE Japan to distort and deny history and and one which unfortunately continues Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask play a game of blame-the-victim are to this very day. unanimous consent that all Members nauseating. Those who posit that all of At the same time, the resolution may have 5 legislative days to revise the ‘‘comfort women’’ were happily makes clear that Japan has been a and extend their remarks and include complicit and acting of their own ac- vital ally of the United States and a extraneous material on the resolution cord simply don’t understand the generous benefactor of the inter- under consideration. meaning of the word ‘‘rape.’’ national community through several The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there On June 14, members of the Japanese decades. It has been a strong ally of the objection to the request of the gen- Government took out a shocking ad- United States on issues relating to, for tleman from California? vertisement in The Washington Post example, nonproliferation. There was no objection. that attempted to smear the survivors It was recently reported that three Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in of the comfort women system, includ- Japanese banks have stopped engaging strong support of this resolution, and I ing those who bravely testified before in any new business with Iran and that yield myself such time as I may con- our own House Foreign Affairs Com- Japanese financial institutions are re- sume. mittee. The ad suggested that these stricting loans and rejecting an Iranian Mr. Speaker, let me first commend women, who were forcibly and repeat- request to pay for oil imports in cur- my good friend and our distinguished edly raped by soldiers, were engaged in rency other than dollars.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:09 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30JY7.121 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H8872 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2007 So we are proud of the U.S.-Japan al- Japan that it should deliver an official, both countries have benefited greatly liance and grateful for the friendship of unequivocal, unambiguous apology for from that relationship. However, it is a the people of Japan. At the same time, the indignity the ‘‘comfort women’’ true friend that will tell another when we should also recognize that the issue suffered. it is wrong, and I believe the United of unresolved historic grievances from Too many times we’ve seen women States has an obligation as an ally to the Pacific war is one that cannot be victimized by war and conflict. The ex- Japan to stand up against this atrocity ignored. It is through reconciliation of perience of these women is a vivid re- and to reveal to the world in appro- these issues that our Asian allies can minder that the human rights of priate fashion. work constructively together, as is the women around the world are never It is time for the stories of the ‘‘com- case with our European allies, and the fully secure. We know that rape, sexual fort women’’ to be told. It is because achievement of regional harmony is in abuse and sometimes murder of women these courageous women are speaking America’s vital national security inter- and girls in war are still committed by out and refusing to be silenced that the ests. armies in various countries. One thinks United States and the world can finally Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of of Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor. learn why this issue is so important my time. We must teach future generations and why we must never allow it to be Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am that we cannot allow this to happen. repeated ever again on this planet. pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good Mr. Speaker, encouraging our good I urge support for this resolution. friend and our distinguished colleague friend and ally, the Government of Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am from California (Mr. HONDA), the prin- Japan, to officially and unequivocally pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good cipal author of this important resolu- apologize is, in my mind, my heart and friend, the distinguished chairman of tion. the minds and hearts of all those con- the Subcommittee of Asia, the Pacific Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise cerned about protecting human rights, and the Global Environment, ENI today to express my unconditional and the right thing to do. FALEOMAVAEGA. heartfelt support for those I have always believed that reconcili- (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and euphemistically known to the world as ation is the first step in the healing was given permission to revise and ex- ‘‘comfort women.’’ process, and I am proud to be here tend his remarks.) Let me at the outset thank Chairman today on this truly historic occasion to Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, LANTOS; the vice chair of the sub- continue to advocate with every fabric I want to thank the distinguished committee, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA; and of my being for that principle. chairman of our House Foreign Affairs the ranking member, ILEANA ROS- I urge my colleagues to join me in Committee, my good friend and chair- LEHTINEN. I really appreciate your sup- support of protecting and defending the man, , and also our senior port and your strong, clear statements. human rights of ‘‘comfort women’’ by ranking member, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Today, the House will make history voting ‘‘yes’’ on H. Res. 121. for their leadership and efforts in as we consider the passage of H. Res. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. 121, a resolution I introduced which am pleased to yield such time as he I also want to thank our colleagues, seeks an official apology for what the may consume to the gentleman from and the gentleman from California es- ‘‘comfort women’’ endured under Ja- Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS). pecially as the chief sponsor of this leg- pan’s Imperial Armed Forces during Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. islation, which has the support of some World War II. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 146 Members, both Republicans and On this day, I must recognize my of H. Res. 121. I want to thank Mr. Democrats, fully supporting the provi- good friend and mentor and former col- HONDA, the chief sponsor for this legis- sions of this resolution. I also want to note, this resolution league, Representative , lation, Chairman LANTOS, Ms. ROS- was previously passed by the Inter- whose irreproachable character gave LEHTINEN, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA and oth- national Relations Committee in the these women hope. The legacy of his ers who have helped bring this to the last Congress, under the able leader- spirit has remained with me through- floor. ship of our previous chairman, the gen- out this incredible journey, during This resolution is long overdue. I’m a tleman from , Mr. HYDE. which it has been my personal honor to proud cosponsor of this resolution be- cause it is time for these women to tell And I would be remiss if I did not have carried this torch, and I know also mention the name of another gen- their story to the world. It is time for that his spirit is with me today too. If tleman from Illinois, my good friend the world to know how horribly hu- he is watching, I would like to thank Mr. Lane Evans, who was also a cham- mans can treat other humans in times him for his unparalleled courage and pion of this legislation. of war and conflict, and it is time for tireless efforts to bring justice and the Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to ex- restoration of dignity to the ‘‘comfort the Government of Japan to own up to press the sense of the U.S. House of women’’ survivors. Lane, semper fi. the wrongs that it committed toward Representatives that the Government I would also like to recognize Ms. Lee these women. of Japan should formally acknowledge, During World War II, between 100,000 Yong-Soo, a survivor of the comfort apologize and accept historical respon- and 200,000 women were abducted from stations who is here today with us. Ms. sibility in a clear and unequivocal their homes in Japan and occupied Lee has been a stalwart and passionate manner for its Imperial Armed Forces lands, including Korea and China and advocate for herself and her fellow sur- coercion of teenage girls and young the Philippines, and forced into the sex vivors. women into a sexual slavery, On February 15 of this year, Ms. Lee trade for the benefit of the Japanese euphemistically known as ‘‘comfort was joined by Ms. Jan Ruff-O’Herne Army. To deny this tragedy is to allow women,’’ system during its colonial and Ms. Kim Koon-Ja as witnesses in a it to happen again. We prevent history and wartime occupation of Asia and hearing before the Asia, the Pacific and from repeating itself only when we ac- the Pacific islands from the late 1930s Global Environment Subcommittee, tually learn from history, not when we throughout the duration of World War chaired by my good friend ENI try to deny and obfuscate the truth. II. FALEOMAVAEGA. I would also like to When U.S. Government placed Amer- On February 7 of this year, the For- thank him and Chairman TOM LANTOS icans of Japanese descent into intern- eign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the for their outspoken support for these ment camps in World War II, we were Pacific and the Global Environment women. wrong; and we have since apologized to held a hearing on H. Res. 121, the first The survivors’ riveting and gut- the families of those victims. This is time ever in the history of the United wrenching testimony about the horrors the measure of responsible leadership. States Congress that three surviving they endured as former ‘‘comfort When we implore our friends across the ‘‘comfort women’’ testified for the women’’ brought us all to tears and im- Pacific to apologize for their many record. pacted me profoundly. Their courage mistakes, we ask for no more than and indomitable spirit will continue to what we as Americans are willing to do b 1500 inspire me every day. ourselves. Ms. Lee Yong-Soo is with us today, Mr. Speaker, today the House will Japan has been a strong ally of the and I want to especially commend her send a message to the Government of United States for years, and I believe and Ms. Koon Kim Lee and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:31 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.083 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE July 30, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8873 Ms. Jan Ruff O’Herne for their courage ery at comfort stations under a coercive at- Relations Committee in the last Congress and their faith and their belief that one mosphere. under the able leadership of our previous day their story would be told and, in As to the origin of those comfort women Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. who were transferred to the war areas, ex- part, their suffering would be set right. cluding those from Japan, those from the Henry Hyde. I would be remiss if I did not also I encourage the world to read their Korean Peninsula accounted for a large part. mention the name of our former colleague and moving testimony, which has brought The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese friend, Mr. Lane Evans also from Illinois, who us to this moment when the United rule in those days, and their recruitment, championed this bill for years. States of America will stand arm in transfer, control, etc., were conducted gen- Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to express arm with these noble women in de- erally against their will, through coaxing, the sense of the U.S. House of Representa- manding an official apology from the coercion, etc. tives that the Government of Japan should for- Government of Japan. Undeniably, this was an act, with the in- volvement of the military authorities of the mally acknowledge, apologize, and accept his- The comfort women system orga- day, that severely injured the honor and dig- torical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal nized, managed and administered by nity of many women. The Government of manner for its Imperial Armed Force’s coer- the Imperial Army of Japan is consid- Japan would like to take this opportunity cion of teenage girls and young women into ered one of the 20th century’s most ex- once again to extend its sincere apologies sexual slavery, euphemistically known as the tensive cases of human trafficking and and remorse to all those, irrespective of ‘‘comfort women’’ system, during its colonial ignored violations of human rights. It place of origin, who suffered immeasurable and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pa- was unprecedented in its cruelty and pain and incurable physical and psycho- cific Islands from 1930s and through the dura- magnitude as teenage girls and young logical wounds as comfort women. It is incumbent upon us, the Government tion of World War II. women were raped, systematically of Japan, to continue to consider seriously, On February 15, 2007, the Foreign Affairs’ beaten, tortured, drugged, mutilated while listening to the views of learned cir- Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Global and sometimes even murdered. cles, how best we can express this sentiment. Environment held a hearing on H. Res. 121, According to the We shall face squarely the historical facts and, for the first time ever in the history of the Commission on Human Rights, soldiers as described above instead of evading them, U.S. Congress, three surviving comfort women and take them to heart as lessons of history. of the Japanese Imperial Army ab- testified for the record. ducted and forced some 200,000 young We hereby reiterated our firm determination never to repeat the same mistake by forever Ms. Young Soo Lee is with us today and I teenage girls and young women from engraving such issues in our memories want to especially commend her and Ms. Korea, from China, from the Phil- through the study and teaching of history. Koon Kim and Ms. Jan Ruff O’Herne for their ippines, from Indonesia, from the As actions have been brought to court in courage and their faith and their belief that Dutch Indies, and other women, forced Japan and interests have been shown in this one day their story would be told and, in part, them into sexual enslavement and issue outside Japan, the Government of their suffering would be set right. I encourage Japan shall continue to pay full attention to abuse. the world to read their moving testimony which Today the Government of Japan con- this matter, including private researched re- lated thereto. has brought us to this moment when the tends that it has apologized and ac- United States of America will stand arm in arm The Kono statement is often cited as cepted responsibility for its atrocities. with these noble women in demanding an offi- Japan’s official apology, although it But it wasn’t until 1980s and the 1990s cial apology from the Government of Japan. that major publications in Japan began was never endorsed officially by any of Japan’s prime ministers and members The ‘‘comfort women’’ system, organized, to describe the details of the comfort managed and administered by the Imperial women, and it also wasn’t until 1992 in of cabinets. At the time the chief cabi- net secretary was considered part press Army of Japan, is considered to be one of the response to these developments that 20th century’s most extensive cases of human Japan’s Chief Secretary, cabinet sec- secretary, part chief of staff but never an official member of cabinet, nor can trafficking and ignored violations of human retary, Yahei Kono, issued an official rights. It was unprecedented in its cruelty and statement. After a 2-year period, the he ever present himself as an acting prime minister. magnitude as teen-age girls and young foreign ministry of Japan conducted women were systematically raped, beaten, tor- this research, and it did make the ad- 2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a statement. However, only statements tured, drugged, mutilated, and sometimes mission. murdered. According to the United Nations I would include for the RECORD the approved by the cabinet and not the prime minister, are a definitive expres- Commission on Human Rights, soldiers of the full statement of Chief Secretary Kono Japanese Imperial Army, abducted and forced regarding the 2-year study by the Min- sion of government policy in Japan. Without the approval of the cabinet, some 200,000 young teenage girls and young istry of Foreign Affairs. women from Korea, China, the Philippines, In- In 1993, after a two-year study by the all declarations of contrition are con- sidered only personal views. donesian, Dutch, and other women—forced Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the them into sexual enslavement and abuse. supervision of the Chief Secretary of I want to close my statement and to Today, the Government of Japan contends Cabinet, an equivalent to the Chief-of- say this: Someone once said, ‘‘The that it has apologized and accepted responsi- Staff of the White House, Mr. Yahei greatness of a nation is not necessarily bility for its atrocities. But it wasn’t until the Kon stated: measured by its accomplishments, by its ability, but by its ability to face 1980s and 1990s that major publications in The Government of Japan has been con- honestly its mistakes of the past and Japan began to describe the details of the ducting a study on the issue of wartime ‘‘comfort women’’ system and that countries ‘‘comfort women’’ since December 1991. I then take appropriate action to correct wish to announce the findings as a result of them.’’ occupied by Japan also began to speak out that study. I sincerely hope that this will be about it. I wasn’t until 1992, in response to As a result of the study which indicates taken seriously by our good friends and these developments, that Japan’s Chief Cabi- that comfort stations were operated in ex- the leadership of the Government of net Secretary Yohei Kono issued a statement. tensive areas for long periods, it is apparent Japan. This ‘‘Kono Statement’’ is often cited as Ja- that there existed a great number of comfort I urge my colleagues to support this pan’s official apology although it was never women. Comfort stations were operated in endorsed officially by any of Japan’s prime response to the request of the military au- resolution. thorities of the day. The then Japanese mili- Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman TOM ministers and their cabinets. At the time, the tary was, directly or indirectly, involved in LANTOS of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Chief Cabinet Secretary was considered part the establishment and management of the and our Senior Ranking Member, Ms. ROS- Press Secretary, part Chief of Staff, and never comfort stations and the transfer of comfort LEHTINEN, for their leadership and efforts in an official member of Cabinet, nor can he ever women. The recruitment of the comfort bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. I also present himself as an Acting Prime Minister. women was conducted mainly by private re- want to thank our colleague, the gentleman In 2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a cruiters who acted in response to the request from California, Mr. HONDA, for his sponsor- statement. However, only statements ap- of the military. The Government study has revealed that in many cases they were re- ship of this bill which has the bipartisan sup- proved by the Cabinet, not the Prime Minister, cruited against their own will, through coax- port of some 146 Members of the U.S. House are a definitive expression of government pol- ing coercion, etc., and that, at times, admin- of Representatives. icy in Japan. Without the approval of the Cabi- istrative/military personnel directly took I also want to make note that this resolution net, all declarations of contrition are consid- part in the recruitments. They lived in mis- was previously passed by the International ered only personal views.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:09 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.086 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H8874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2007 Interestingly, as this topic has gained wide- not necessarily measured by its accomplish- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise spread attention as result of February’s hear- ments, but by its ability to face honestly its today in support of House Resolution ing, both the Japanese government and press mistakes of the past, and then take appro- 121, and I thank my colleague, MIKE have ignored the fact that Members of Con- priate action to correct them.’’ HONDA, for his leadership on this issue. gress now understand both Japan’s legislative Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to I particularly thank Representative system and history of the Comfort Women support this resolution. Lane Evans, who was with us up until tragedy. We are not ignorant, as some report- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I this year, and I hope he is watching ers have suggested. We know what does and yield such time as he may consume to today, because he was right when he does not constitute an official apology. We are the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. first introduced this legislation, and also aware of the propaganda being churned PEARCE). his reasons and his legislation remains out by the Japanese press intent on revising Mr. PEARCE. I thank the gentlelady correct and right today. from Florida for yielding time and also history by denying the validity of the ‘‘Comfort Many may claim that the exploi- Women’’ controversy. thank Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have to ask our- tation of the comfort women should be This year, Prime Minister Abe denied the selves exactly why would we be inter- left in the past. That could not be fur- existence of sexual slave camps. Then he re- ested in this particular thing today. ther from the truth. Anyone who has tracted his statement because of pressure Some might claim that it’s an old cir- met these brave women knows that from leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. Now cumstance, that it existed too far in they live with the haunting memories he says that he ‘‘respects’’ the finding of the the past. Others might say that it sim- in the present every single day. The Kono Report of 1993. What does this mean? ply is not our right, not our position, sexual exploitation, some would say I have a special love and affinity for the to enter into the discussion. enslavement, must be marked, and it people of Japan. But more sacred to me is our As far as it being too far in the past, must be remembered. The acts of vio- obligation to emphasize the fact a systematic many times I go into the district of lence the comfort women faced were abduction and raping and abuse of women as New Mexico, the Second District of inhuman, and it cannot be erased. a weapon of war is totally unacceptable, and New Mexico, and I bump into people This should not be a day of sadness. I believe the people of Japan agree. In fact, it from the Vietnam era, people my age. I Today is about accountability and hope can be argued that H. Res. 121 reflects the was there in the 1970s, I flew in Viet- for the future. We will remember that will of the Japanese people. In the only survey nam. Many, many have hearts broken those who did not live to see this day that the Japanese press appears to have pub- by the way a Nation treated them, and and, yet, are still celebrated for their lished on the Comfort Women issue, in 2001, just a word of encouragement, just a courage. In their honor, we will speak Fuji TV’s Hodo asked respondents if they word of saying welcome home, brother, for all of the world here: Never again. thought Japan has apologized sufficiently. brings tears that flow down men and The lesson will be learned. Women 43.8 percent answered no, 37.2 percent an- women’s cheeks from long ago past. are not prizes of war. This has been a swered yes. We have a responsibility to impact long time coming, but there is no stat- Some may say the past is the past and that those circumstances which were not ute of limitations on courage and on the U.S. is also an offender and violator of right, which were not just, and no bet- dignity, and that is what we honor human rights. Maybe this is so. But nowhere ter person than Mr. LANTOS to be talk- today. We honor the perseverance of in recorded history has the U.S. military com- ing about this today, because he under- comfort women. We call on govern- mand as a matter of policy issued a directives stands that. He’s a steady, quiet voice ments worldwide to accept responsi- allowing for the coercion of teenage girls and for reason. Regarding Ms. LEE, who is bility for past deeds and work towards young women into sexual slavery or forced with us today, I would remember the a just future. prostitution. On the other hand, this is exactly words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I what the Japanese military high command did said that the simple step of a coura- have no further requests for time, and and it is an affront to truth for any government geous individual is not to take part in I yield back the balance of our time. to downplay its history. the lie. One word of truth outweighs Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am Civilized society cannot allow history to be the entire world. pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good revised or denied under any circumstances. He went on in that same talk to say friend from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE), a Regardless of what bearing this, or any other that one person of truth impacts the distinguished member of the Foreign issue, may have on bilateral relations, or U.S. whole world. So I think that we are Affairs Committee. foreign policy, civilized society has a moral ob- called to quietly visit with our friends, (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was ligation to remember, to give voice to those the Japanese, and I think they are very given permission to revise and extend who have suffered, to pay living tribute to vic- good friends. I think that we, as good her remarks.) tims past and present, to defend human rights. friends, should quietly say, Friend, it’s Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank Otherwise we run the risk of holocaust. time to acknowledge; it’s time to you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the Today, I want to commend my colleagues apologize; it’s time to speak. Because ranking member of this committee for for their support and to call upon the Prime the healing just doesn’t occur on the creating the forum to recognize atroc- Minister of Japan and his Cabinet to issue a recipient’s part, on those persons who formal apology. No amount of money, not were wronged; the healing begins in the ities that many have tried to forget. even payments set up by private Japanese heart of those who have perpetrated Let me thank Mr. HONDA, the moving contributions or the Asian Women’s Fund, can the actions. Admission brings a certain force of this legislation and the chair- atone for the suffering of the thousands of humbleness that each one of us begins man of the Subcommittee on Asia, for women victimized at the hands of Japan’s Im- to recognize that we are not above his leadership, and I am so glad we perial Forces before and during, World War II. righteousness, we are not above have all mentioned Lane Evans because While I support any woman’s right to lay rightness, that we are not above jus- of the spirit and the enthusiasm and claim to these funds, I do not believe the Jap- tice, truth. No single one of us is. the determination in which he au- anese government should suggest that a mon- So if we find ourselves at this curious thored this legislation earlier before he etary payment can make right a moral wrong. point saying to a long-time trusted left Congress. So, for me, any and all discussions about the friend, It’s time to acknowledge; it’s Let me also speak to Ms. LEE, who Asian Women’s Fund sufficing as an act of time to apologize; it’s time to recog- remains as a steadfast anchor for all apology falls short of what is relevant. nize what we have done and to change, the women who cannot speak for them- What is relevant is that Japan acknowledge, it’s not a very harsh statement. It’s selves. apologize, and accept historical responsibility not one taken in anger, but it is one Mr. Speaker, I want to take a dif- for its Imperial Armed Force’s coercion of taken with the noblest of objectives, ferent approach. I hope that people do teenage girls and young women into sexual and that is the recognition and the not take lightly what acknowledg- slavery during its occupation of Asia and the healing of a long-overdue act. ment, apologies and accepting histor- Pacific Islands during WWII. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ical responsibility means. This is about Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by sharing minutes to the distinguished colleague sexual slavery. with my colleagues this statement—someone from California (Ms. WOOLSEY), a mem- I ask my colleagues to just think once said that, ‘‘The greatness of a nation is ber of the Foreign Affairs Committee. that if we were addressing the question

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:31 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30JY7.124 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE July 30, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8875 today, which we have done in our For- Japanese military testified at a subcommittee at forging the process of healing by facing cer- eign Affairs Committee on sexual slav- hearing chaired by Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. These tain historical experience and is not intended ery, the holding of women, the debas- women relayed heartbreaking real life ac- as retribution against a partner and ally. ing of women, the degrading of women, counts of years of torment, disease, and sepa- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join would most of us be rushing to the ration from their families. These women are me In supporting this important resolution. floor of the House to be able to con- still plagued today by the physical and emo- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support demn those actions that might be tional scars of the horrendous human rights of H. Res. 121, the Comfort Women Resolu- around us and around the world? abuses committed against them. tion—a resolution that I have supported since This is no less degrading, and its his- On April 26 of this year, my good friend and its initial introduction in the 109th Congress. torical perspective does not diminish the former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Beginning in the 1930s, the Imperial Gov- the responsibility of Japan and of this Committee, Henry Hyde and I co-authored an ernment of Japan orchestrated the enslave- Congress to be able to say to these op-ed in the Washington Times urging ‘the ment of up to 200,000 young Korean women. comfort women, women who were sex- Japanese people to courageously acknowl- Many were abducted from their homes and ual slaves, that we apologize or ask edge and redress the wrongs perpetuated by sent to Japanese military brothels. Others Japan to apologize and hold the nation Imperial Japan’ on these women and ‘to come were lured from their homes under the false historically accountable for those ac- to grips’ with the history of their past. In light pretense of employment. In what was one of tions. of Japan’s recent wavering on the accuracy of the worst cases of human trafficking of the Do you know that today textbooks in historical fact regarding comfort women, I 20th century, the trauma that these women Japan, many of them diminish the ac- stand with my colleagues in urging the Japa- suffered drove many to conceal their past, ei- tions of Japan and the activities that nese Government to very clearly acknowl- ther too embarrassed or scared to speak of it. held the comfort women? These were edge, apologize, and accept historical respon- The surviving victims deserve the recognition women engaged in sexual activities al- sibility in a clear, unequivocal manner for its that they so desire. legedly to give comfort to the military. Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young To this day, Japan maintains that this issue So I would simply say, having gone women into sexual slavery. is closed and the sufferings of individuals in- through a number of debates about Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr Speaker, flicted in the war have already been dealt by apologies regarding slavery in Amer- I rise today in support of H. Res. 121, which treaties normalizing its ties with other Asian ica, that apologies do count. It means calls on the Government of Japan to accept countries. Some have pointed to Prime Min- something for those who have suffered formal historical responsibility for one of the ister Abe’s April 27th statement as a formal in a way that they can never, never darkest chapters of World War II history in apology, yet both the Prime Minister himself find an expression for. Asia and the Pacific, the Japanese military’s and Japan’s Foreign Ministry went on record So I rise today to support H. Res. 121 use of ‘‘comfort women’’, the practice of coer- to disavow any alleged apology. It is important and place it in a historical context but cion of young women into sexual slavery. that the Japanese government confronts this in the context of today. We know that I would first like to acknowledge our distin- dark part of Japanese history. if any of those issues arise before us, guished colleague, Mr. HONDA of California, This resolution is as much about today as it we would stand here in condemnation. for introducing this important resolution and for is about yesterday. The world’s strength to op- The comfort women’s plight is no less his persistent efforts in giving voice to the vic- pose killing today is made greater by account- deserving of our Nation, and, of course, tims of these crimes against humanity. ability, for actions present, but also past. It’s a recognition by Japan that an apol- Japan, a loyal ally and one of U.S.’ closest weakened by denial of accountability and ob- ogy, accountability, will go a long way partners, plays a critical role in maintaining the fuscation of past acts. History is a continuum in soothing the deeply embedded pain geopolitical balance in a still volatile region. that affects today and tomorrow. It’s much for those who no longer live but for The Japanese government’s refusal to ac- harder to get tomorrow right if we get yester- those who live and suffer. knowledge the despicable war-time practice of day wrong. I ask my colleagues to support H. its Imperial Army known as ‘‘comfort women’’ I urge my colleagues to support this impor- Res. 121. stands in stark contrasts to the courageous tant resolution. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I humanitarian stand the Japanese government Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, rise today in strong support of H. Res. 121, has taken in a number of humanitarian crises I am pleased that the House today is consid- which calls on the Government of Japan to around the world and to its role as guarantor ering H. Res. 121 which rightly recognizes the formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept for peace in the region. plight of Korean comfort women during the historical responsibility for its role in the coer- Facing up to one of the darkest chapters of 1930s and WorId War II. I was proud to co- cion of young women and girls, its history is a genuine test for the maturity of sponsor this resolution which calls on the na- euphemistically known to the world as ‘comfort a nation. In the aftermath of World War II, the tion of Japan to formally recognize and apolo- women’, to serve as sex slaves in Japanese German nation and its government found the gize for these crimes. military comfort stations from the 1930s courage to account for war crimes that the After the Japanese occupation of Korea in through World War II. Third Reich committed during the war and oc- the 1930s, the army forced young women to I would especially like to thank Mr. HONDA cupation. work in brothels. In some cases kidnapped for his leadership on the issue of ‘comfort There can be no denying that the Japanese women were transported overseas for sexual women’ and for his expression of solidarity military committed those crimes involving thou- servitude. At the end of WorId War II, these with these exploited women and urge each sands of women, mostly of Chinese and Kore- women were left scarred and in many cases and everyone of my colleagues to support this ans descent. It is particularly disturbing that far from home with no resources. resolution. some in Japan are still trying to distort the his- Sadly, there are some in Japan who still in- Mr. Speaker, as you well know, the friend- torical record and are denying that these sist that the army was not formally involved ship and alliance that exists between the crimes took place. The same parties are going with these crimes or that the women chose to United States and Japan establishes stability even a step further and blaming the victims for become involved in prostitution. The evidence and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific and is engaging into prostitution. clearly demonstrates that this was not the essential to our security interests in that re- It is up to this House to call for the Japa- case. It is far past time for the Japanese gov- gion. This resolution calls on the Government nese government to set the record straight, ernment to recognize the role the army played of Japan to strengthen that tie by acknowl- not just for the sake of the past, but also be- in these crimes. edging the facts forever enshrined in history cause rape has been used across the globe Today, we call on them to apologize to the and by publicly denouncing these past hei- today as a weapon of war. By supporting this few women who continue to live with the nous human rights abuses in one of the larg- resolution we send a strong and unambiguous shame of the crimes committed against them. est cases of human trafficking in the 20th cen- signal to the Japanese Government to ac- While the relationship between Korea and tury. knowledge its historical responsibility. We will Japan has improved as both countries turned Only in recent years have these victims of also state Congress’ strong l condemnation of into thriving democracies, the issue of the Imperial Japanese brutality relayed their sto- rape as weapon of war. comfort women continues to come between ries to the world. In fact, just this year, on While support of the resolution will finally them. I hope that this resolution will promote February 15, 2007, three women who knew give voice of the numerous victims of these reconciliation so that both countries can move firsthand the unequivocal pain, suffering and despicable crimes, the Congress’ intent is to together into a future of cooperation and horror of sexual servitude at the hands of the assure our ally Japan that the resolution aims friendship.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:31 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.089 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H8876 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2007 Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have Whereas the veterinary report concluded thousands of these baby seals every no additional requests for time and that as many as 42 percent of the seals stud- single year. With stunning barbarism, yield back the balance of our time. ied were likely skinned while alive and con- Canadian hunters swoop in with heavy The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. scious; clubs and stun guns to immobilize Whereas the commercial slaughter of seals HINOJOSA). The question is on the mo- in the Northwest Atlantic is inherently these little innocent creatures. They tion offered by the gentleman from cruel, whether the killing is conducted by are then skinned alive simply so that California (Mr. LANTOS) that the House clubbing or by shooting; their soft white fur can adorn winter suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Whereas many seals are shot in the course coats, coats that could be composed of lution, H. Res. 121, as amended. of the hunt, but escape beneath the ice where different materials without torturing The question was taken; and (two- they die slowly and are never recovered, and animals. thirds being in the affirmative) the these seals are not counted in official kill These gruesome images are sadly rules were suspended and the resolu- statistics, making the actual kill level far commonplace in the Canadian North- tion, as amended, was agreed to. higher than the level that is reported; Whereas the commercial hunt for harp and west. The Canadian Government esti- The title was amended so as to read: hooded seals is a commercial slaughter car- mates that over 1 million seals have ‘‘A resolution expressing the sense of ried out almost entirely by non-Native peo- been killed in the most recent 3-year the House of Representatives that the ple from the East Coast of Canada for seal period. Public outcry over this barba- Government of Japan should formally fur, oil, and penises (used as aphrodisiacs in rism led to a ban of all seal products in acknowledge, apologize, and accept his- some Asian markets); the United States and in the European torical responsibility in a clear and un- Whereas the fishing and sealing industries Union in 1983. Unfortunately, the pub- equivocal manner for its Imperial in Canada continue to justify the expanded lic seems to have forgotten that the Armed Forces’ coercion of young seal hunt on the grounds that the seals in the Northwest Atlantic are preventing the grisly practices of commercial seal women into sexual slavery, known to recovery of cod stocks, despite the lack of hunters still go on, and international the world as ‘comfort women’, during any credible scientific evidence to support pressure on Canada to end the hunt has its colonial and wartime occupation of this claim; abated. Asia and the Pacific Islands from the Whereas two Canadian government marine My resolution brings the focus of the 1930s through the duration of World scientists reported in 1994 that the true back to this War II.’’. cause of cod depletion in the North Atlantic heinous yearly slaughter. It urges the A motion to reconsider was laid on was over-fishing, and the consensus among Canadian Government to cease this the table. the international scientific community is gruesome practice and bring Canadian that seals are not responsible for the col- f lapse of cod stocks; policy in line with that of the United URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF Whereas harp and hooded seals are a vital States and the European Union. Mr. Speaker, let me note that this CANADA TO END THE COMMER- part of the complex ecosystem of the North- annual seal slaughter, enacted for mere CIAL SEAL HUNT west Atlantic, and because the seals con- sume predators of commercial cod stocks, re- vanity and vulgar consumerism, is also Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to moving the seals might actually inhibit re- having deleterious effects on the eco- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- covery of cod stocks; system. Nature’s careful balance is lution (H. Res. 427) urging the Govern- Whereas certain ministries of the Govern- being thrown off by the depletion of ment of Canada to end the commercial ment of Canada have stated clearly that the seal population. The barbaric seal there is no evidence that killing seals will seal hunt. hunt disturbs the food chain, hurting The Clerk read the title of the resolu- help groundfish stocks to recover; and Whereas the persistence of this cruel and the fishing industry, which is now suf- tion. needless commercial hunt is inconsistent fering in Canada. The text of the resolution is as fol- with the well-earned international reputa- Ending the commercial seal hunt is lows: tion of Canada: Now, therefore, be it not simply a matter of saving beautiful H. RES. 427 Resolved, That the House of Representa- and innocent animals that tug at our Whereas on November 15, 2006, the Govern- tives urges the Government of Canada to end hearts. It is a matter of intelligent ment of Canada opened a commercial hunt the commercial hunt on seals. ecomanagement, prevention of cruelty for seals in the waters off the east coast of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- against animals, and helping our Canada; ant to the rule, the gentleman from friends to the north restore their oth- Whereas an international outcry regarding California (Mr. LANTOS) and the gentle- the plight of the seals hunted in Canada re- erwise pristine international reputa- woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- sulted in the 1983 ban by the European Union tion. Killing baby seals echoes the tor- of whitecoat and blueback seal skins and the LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. ture and cruel killing of so many other subsequent collapse of the commercial seal The Chair recognizes the gentleman animals around the world. As cochair- hunt in Canada; from California. man of the Congressional Friends of Whereas the Marine Mammal Protection GENERAL LEAVE Animals Caucus, I will continue to Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) bars the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask bring the world’s attention to such import into the United States of seal prod- unanimous consent that all Members practices wherever they exist. I urge ucts; Whereas in February 2003, the Ministry of may have 5 legislative days to revise all of my colleagues to support this im- Fisheries and Oceans in Canada authorized and extend their remarks and to in- portant and humane resolution. the highest quota for harp seals in Canadian clude extraneous material on the reso- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of history, allowing nearly 1,000,000 seals to be lution under consideration. my time. killed over a 3-year period; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Whereas more than 1,000,000 seals have objection to the request of the gen- yield myself such time as I may con- been killed over the past 3 years; tleman from California? sume. Whereas harp seal pups can legally be There was no objection. Harp seals, which live off of Canada’s hunted in Canada as soon as they have begun east coast, are sought for their pelts. to molt their white coats at approximately b 1515 Canadian hunters, who are regulated 12 days of age; Whereas 95 percent of the seals killed over Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in by Canada’s Department of Fisheries the past 5 years were pups between just 12 strong support of this resolution and and Oceans, have killed almost a mil- days and 12 weeks of age, many of which had yield myself such time as I may con- lion seals in the past 3 years. The gov- not yet eaten their first solid meal or taken sume. ernment set a quota of 270,000 seals for their first swim; Mr. Speaker, we are all familiar with the season of 2007, which is lower than Whereas a report by an independent team National Geographic images of fluffy the limit of 335,000 seals set in last of veterinarians invited to observe the hunt white baby seals nestled next to their year’s season. The quota is determined by the International Fund for Animal Wel- mothers. We stare at them on our TV annually by the department and is set fare concluded that the seal hunt failed to comply with basic animal welfare regula- screens or in our magazines and reflex- based on estimates of the current seal tions in Canada and that governmental regu- ively remark about how adorable they population. Many concerned citizens lations regarding humane killing were not are. But now imagine, if you can, the are quite upset that these seals are being respected or enforced; brutal death that awaits hundreds of killed in an inhumane way, since many

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:09 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.090 H30JYPT2 bajohnson on PRODPC60 with HOUSE