The publication is reproduced in full below:
REFUGEE SANITATION FACILITY SAFETY ACT OF 2021
Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1158) to provide women and girls safe access to sanitation facilities in refugee camps.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1158
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. SECURE ACCESS TO SANITATION FACILITIES FOR WOMEN AND
GIRLS.
Subsection (a) of section 501 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 2601 note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (12), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph:
``(6) the provision of safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a special emphasis on women, girls, and vulnerable populations.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania.
General Leave
Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1158.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1158, the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2021.
Mr. Speaker, according to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, by the end of 2020, there were at least 26 million people worldwide living as refugees, the highest number ever recorded.
As people who have been forced to flee their home countries because of persecution or because of violence, refugees are amongst the globe's most vulnerable populations. To make matters worse, these people must often settle in areas that are inadequate in terms of necessities such as access to water, shelter, and sanitation.
Simply put, the conditions that refugees regularly endure are unacceptable. People should not have to surrender their access to sanitation in exchange for their own safety.
That is why I support the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act. This bill would ensure that refugees have safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a special emphasis on women, girls, and the most vulnerable populations.
By providing for safe and secure sanitation facilities, this bill will not only improve the health and safety of tens of millions living in refugee settlements, but it will also allow these same people to focus more of their energy and ingenuity into rebuilding their lives.
I thank my colleague from New York, Representative Grace Meng, a tireless champion for the rights of vulnerable people, women, and girls, for authoring this legislation.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act.
I commend my colleagues, Representative Meng and Chairman Meeks, for their work on this issue.
Around the world, we are seeing unprecedented levels of displacement due to conflict and humanitarian disasters. Unfortunately, many of these crises have gone on for many years, even decades, like we have seen in South Sudan.
I would just note, parenthetically, my good friend Karen Bass and I have been to refugee camps throughout Africa and have seen the great work that is done by the United States, working with the UNHCR and other international organizations, literally saving people who otherwise would die of starvation or sickness, so what a great humanitarian effort made by this country and by others, including the UNHCR.
I would point out to my colleagues that new emergencies, like Ethiopia and the growing instability in Afghanistan, have stretched the capabilities of the United Nations and the international community. The COVID-19 pandemic, as it surges in much of the developing world, is only making these crises worse. Lack of access to clean water and cramped living conditions continues to hamper prevention efforts.
A generation of young people is growing up knowing only life in a refugee camp. The conditions in many of these camps around the world are dire and particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as women and children.
This bill ensures support for safe sanitation facilities for refugees and displaced persons living in camps around the world.
The U.S. continues to be the largest donor to refugees and displaced persons around the world. That has been a historical fact no matter who was in the White House, speaking to the humanitarian beliefs of this country to care for those who are at risk and who are vulnerable.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, this is lifesaving legislation. By helping ensure that women and children, who make up the majority of refugees around the world, have access to safe and secure sanitation facilities, this body will dramatically improve the health and quality of life of millions of people who have already suffered so much.
Again, I thank my friend, Congresswoman Meng, for introducing this invaluable legislation. I urge my colleagues to give it their full support, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1158.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion are postponed.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 126
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