Legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that authorizes $98 million for specialized treatment for torture survivors in the United States and abroad was overwhelmingly approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee this morning.

    Smith introduced the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007 (H. R. 1678) last night. It was immediately taken up for consideration by the Committee. Passage clears the way for the legislation to be quickly brought to the floor of the House of Representatives.

    “Those who suffer horrific cruelty at the hands of despotic governments, military and/or police not only bear the physical scars, but carry the emotional and psychological injuries from this abuse for the rest of their lives.” said Smith. “With proper treatment, torture victims are able to overcome these effects and lead normal, productive lives within their families and communities. Quick passage of this legislation will ensure treatment remains available for torture victims, giving them an opportunity to start their lives anew.”

    First passed in 1998 and reauthorized three times since then, the Torture Victims Relief Act authorizes federal support for programs and centers that provide specialized treatment for torture survivors in the U.S. and abroad. The original act and each subsequent reauthorization were authored by Smith.

    “The Torture Victims Relief Act and its subsequent reauthorizations have successfully helped torture victims pick up the pieces of their shattered lives,” Smith said. "We must continue to fund the crucial programs that help these individuals overcome the long-term psychological consequences of the torture inflicted on them—including flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks and depression."

    The provisions of the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007 (TVRRA) promote a strategy of supporting local institutions, as well as health care providers, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of torture survivors. The bill authorizes funding for the institutions to aid in operations and training for providing care to victims of torture.

    The first part provides $50 million over two years for domestic treatment centers through the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Currently, there are 20 programs in 15 states that receive assistance from DHHS to help torture victims recover.

    “In recent decades, an ever-growing number of refugees and political asylees who have come to our shores seeking refuge are victims of torture. It is estimated that there are as many as 500,000 victims of torture who have immigrated to the US. As a result of the trauma they have endured in their home countries, they need the specialized care that this law provides,” Smith said.

    The TVRRA also authorizes funding to aid victims of torture abroad. The bill authorizes $24 million for foreign treatment centers over the next two fiscal years. In addition, the TVRRA authorizes $12 million contributions in each FY08 and FY09 to the UN Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture. The fund supports nearly 200 treatment centers spanning 70 different countries, providing services to about 80,000 torture survivors.

    “In addition to providing direct services to torture survivors, their families and their communities, these centers are often the loudest voices advocating for the elimination of torture. The elimination of torture and compassion for the victims of these horrific acts are crucial to fostering the birth of democracy around the globe. Therefore, we need to support the vital work of torture victim treatment centers both here and abroad,” Smith said.