WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Carolyn Maloney's (NY-14) amendment to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill that outlines much needed assistance for Afghan women and girls was included in the final version the legislation, which passed late last night and will be signed into law by the president. The Maloney amendment, offered with Reps. Henry Hyde (IL-06), Tom Lantos (CA-12), and Judy Biggert (IL-13), urges $60 million of the reconstruction aid for Afghanistan go to programs that benefit Afghan women and girls. The amendment also directs $5 million to go to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to combat human rights abuses.

"The women and girls of Afghanistan who were oppressed under the Taliban, still face discrimination and violence on a daily basis," Maloney said. "Dozens of girls' schools have been torched and shuttered. Women and girls are being held down in their attempt to gain equality. The resources we are sending to women and girls in Afghanistan will help eliminate their second-class citizen status.

"With the help of Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), we were able to keep this provision in the bill. The women of Afghanistan will benefit greatly."

Maloney has been fighting for the rights of Afghan women since the oppressive Taliban regime. Earlier this year Afghan women, long-oppressed and neglected, got significant assistance toward gaining equality today when Maloney's (NY-14) amendment to the State Department authorization bill (H.R. 1950) was inserted into the bill. That provision, cosponsored by Rep. Tom Lantos (CA) will set forth guidelines for Afghan women to gain involvement in the rebuilding of Afghanistan - an undertaking that will fundamentally shape the country's future. The measure will establish an Afghan Women's Fund at $22.5 million per year to provide the underserved women of Afghanistan with greater protection and educational, economic and health care opportunities. The amendment stipulates that at least 15 percent of the of the Fund will go to organizations run by Afghans, particularly women. These organizations will be vital in the rebuilding of Afghanistan and will give women a prime position in helping shape the country.

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