Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 3994, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act. I do want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his leadership in crafting this bill and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for his commitment to helping the Afghan people. I rise to thank them both for working with me and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) to incorporate much of H.R. 3342, the Access for Afghan Women Act, into this bill. Their cooperation enables this body to continue our support for improving the lives of Afghan women and children. H.R. 3994 will provide over $1 billion in United States assistance to Afghanistan for humanitarian and reconstruction projects, as well as Afghan military and police assistance, and funds to stem poppy production. While the bill provides the President with broad flexibility, key aspects of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance are targeted toward Afghan women. The bill reflects that it is the United States' policy that the United States and international community should support a broad-based, multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive and fully representative government in Afghanistan. In order to meet this goal of improving the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, emphasis must remain on meeting the educational, health and sustenance needs of women and children to better enable their full participation in Afghan society.”