Legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that authorizes $98 million for specialized treatment for torture survivors living in the United States and abroad was overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today.

    “The agony and suffering endured by victims of torture leave lifelong physical, emotional and psychological scars. However, proper treatment can help torture victims overcome these effects and lead normal, productive lives within their families and communities. We can—and must—continue to support programs that mitigate the long-term effects of torture,” said Smith.

    Smith’s legislation—H.R. 1678, the “Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007” (TVRRA)—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. The funds will be used to aid in operations and training for providing care to victims of torture.

    Smith’s legislation reauthorizes the federal programs created under the “Torture Victims Relief Act,” (P.L. 105-320) which was first passed in 1998 and reauthorized three times since then. The original act and each subsequent reauthorization were authored by Smith.

    “Many victims of torture have been able to rebuild their lives as a result of the Torture Victims Relief Act and its subsequent reauthorizations, which promote a strategy of supporting local institutions—as well as health care providers—dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of torture survivors,” said Smith. “Passage of my bill will ensure that victims continue to have an opportunity to rise above the long-term psychological consequences of torture and start anew.”

    “The domestic aspect of my legislation is designed to ensure that particular attention is given to regions with significant immigrant and refugee populations to provide treatment, counseling and legal assistance to the estimated 400,000 foreign torture survivors currently residing in the US,” 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 through USAID’s Victims of Torture Fund. 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 champions in the worldwide fight to end torture. Their work is one part humanitarian, one part advocacy and their mission is vital to promoting democracy and rule of law around the globe,” Smith said.