2006.12.08: December 8, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - El Salvador: Politics: Congress: Sexual Slavery: Japan: PR Newswire: Mike Honda Honors Congressman Lane Evans who fought to provide justice for over 200,000 'comfort women' who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II
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2006.12.08: December 8, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - El Salvador: Politics: Congress: Sexual Slavery: Japan: PR Newswire: Mike Honda Honors Congressman Lane Evans who fought to provide justice for over 200,000 'comfort women' who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II
Mike Honda Honors Congressman Lane Evans who fought to provide justice for over 200,000 'comfort women' who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II
"He has been a voice for these voiceless women who are still holding out hope that they will receive a formal apology from the Japanese government for the indignity they suffered. I want to assure him that I will do my best to continue his work and legacy on this issue after his retirement this year. He has personally inspired me, and I look forward to seeking the justice the comfort women deserve knowing that Lane Evans blazed much of the trail. Mr. Speaker, for his leadership, mentorship and companionship, for his work on behalf of those who would have otherwise been forgotten, and for his unparalleled work these past 24 years, I will not forget Lane Evans." Congressman Mike Honda of California served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador in the 1960's.
Mike Honda Honors Congressman Lane Evans who fought to provide justice for over 200,000 'comfort women' who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II
U.S. Representative Mike Honda Honors Illinois Congressman Lane Evans
Friday December 8, 5:47 pm ET
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the final speeches of the 109th Congress today, Representative Mike Honda (D-California) paid tribute to a colleague, Representative Lane Evans of Illinois, who is retiring from office.
Honda, who is chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), offered special praise for Evans' efforts on the issue of bringing justice to the "comfort women" of the World War II era.
When Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) gaveled the House of Representatives to order for the last time in this session, Representative Honda was the first Democrat to speak from the floor. The text of his remarks follows:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and achievements of my dear friend, Lane Evans.
"Lane Evans is a hero who has tirelessly fought to provide justice for over 200,000 'comfort women' who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
"He has been a voice for these voiceless women who are still holding out hope that they will receive a formal apology from the Japanese government for the indignity they suffered.
"I want to assure him that I will do my best to continue his work and legacy on this issue after his retirement this year.
"He has personally inspired me, and I look forward to seeking the justice the comfort women deserve knowing that Lane Evans blazed much of the trail.
"Mr. Speaker, for his leadership, mentorship and companionship, for his work on behalf of those who would have otherwise been forgotten, and for his unparalleled work these past 24 years, I will not forget Lane Evans."
Evans was the principal sponsor, along with Representative Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey) of H. Res. 759, proposed legislation that called on Japan to acknowledge and accept responsibility for forcing women and girls into sexual slavery during the World War II era. This resolution was passed unanimously by the House International Relations Committee but failed to come to a vote on the floor of the House before the end of the session. New legislation with the same purpose will be introduced in the 110th Congress.
Source: Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues, Inc. (WCCW)
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Headlines: December, 2006; RPCV Mike Honda (El Salvador); Figures; Peace Corps El Salvador; Directory of El Salvador RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for El Salvador RPCVs; Politics; Congress; California
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