WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today hailed House passage of legislation that will significantly increase current support for treatment and rehabilitation of victims of torture. The Congressman sponsored the bill and said "there are almost 500,000 victims of torture living in the United States today who are in need of treatment to help them deal with what they endured."

The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act would provide $20 million for FY 2004 and $25 million for FY2005 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist U.S. treatment centers. There are currently 34 rehabilitation centers in the United States for the treatment of torture victims. In Baltimore, the Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma provides treatment for people who have been tortured.

Rep. Cardin is the leading Democrat on the Helsinki Commission, which monitors human rights abuses. According to the Congressman, the number of people seeking treatment at the Baltimore facility has tripled in the past three years.

"The use of torture is a tool of intimidation and oppression and continues to take place in 120 countries. Victims of torture need help and this legislation provides them with additional assistance," said the Congressman.

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