Maurice Hinchey: “When the Republican majority came to power, they promised transparency and greater debate. But today they have once…”

“When the Republican majority came to power, they promised transparency and greater debate. But today they have once again failed to keep that promise by refusing to allow a vote on a critical amendment requiring a report on human rights abuses in Argentina over 30 years ago. For 20 years, I have fought for human rights and transparency in this House, and today the majority refuses to spare me 10 minutes for debate. But what's worse is they won't spare 10 minutes for the hundreds of children born in prison camps, for the thousands of grandparents that still hold out hope day after day that they will be reunited with their lost loved ones, for the 30,000 people who've disappeared at the hands of a brutal military regime and the millions of Argentine citizens who still seek justice and closure. This amendment has been made in order numerous times in the past and has even been accepted without objections by both Democrats and Republicans. But it seems this year the House Republican leadership doesn't have time for human rights. As I have said before, with this amendment we have an opportunity to provide answers to thousands of families who have waited for years to learn the fates of their loved ones and help close this troubling chapter in Argentina's history. To reject my amendment would have been one thing, but to silence it entirely is unconscionable. The majority's handling of this issue is irresponsible and shameful.…”