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Government of Japan Should Apologize

Floor Speech

Date: Aug. 4, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Arts, Entertainment, and History


GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN SHOULD APOLOGIZE -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 04, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor I rise in strong support of H. Res. 121. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Japan should formally apologize for and acknowledge the role that some in the Japanese Government played in forcing women into sexual slavery during World War II.

* To date, the Government of Japan has failed to do this. This is a human rights issue that the gentleman from California, Mr. Honda, has championed for years. Along with other Members of this body I am truly proud to stand with him today in support of this resolution.

* Throughout the world's history, including World War II, cultures and societies have abused women, raped and enslaved them, and subjected them to forced sexual acts. The United States is not without its past atrocities and abuses, including the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. However, if we recognize and acknowledge our mistakes as human beings we can learn from the past and reduce the occurrence of horrible acts. H. Res. 121 looks to provide recognition of past human rights abuses against the ``comfort women'' so Japan can move forward knowing it will never commit these acts again.


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