(Updated July 17, 2006)

H.Res. 784
Commending and supporting Radio Al Mahaba, Iraq's First and Only Radio Station for Women  

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.Res. 784, under suspension of the rules, on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. The resolution is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.Res. 784 resolves that the House of Representatives commends the efforts of Radio Al Mahaba to provide Iraqi women with freedom of speech and an opportunity for women to be included in and informed of the reconstruction of Iraq with an open, democratic civil society; supports the mission of Radio Al Mahaba; and urges Al Mahaba to continue its important work.

Background

Radio Al Mahaba, Iraq's first and only radio station for women, went on the air on April 1, 2005. Radio Al Mahaba is an educational tool, broadcasting in three different languages and giving women freedom to voice opinions and hear other opinions. Radio Al Mahaba airs shows dedicated to women's rights and women's issues. Such shows are devoted to relationships, parenting, and other social topics. Despite terrible risks, the staff of Radio Al Mahaba works at the station because they want to reach out and touch peoples' lives, and they want to give hope, knowledge, empowerment, support, and a passage to freedom to Iraq women.

Radio Al Mahaba, amid the struggles in Iraq, has followed the examples of the United States which guarantees freedoms of speech and the press, thereby encouraging Iraqis to build an open, democratic civil society. Radio Al Mahaba has a positive, important role in educating women. Radio Al Mahaba provides women with freedom of speech. Radio Al Mahaba provides an opportunity for women to secure their role in the governance of a civil society within Iraq. Radio Al Mahaba meets a palpable need of Iraqi women.

Legislative History

H.Res. 784 was introduced by Rep. McCarthy (NY) on April 27, 2006. International Relations Committee consideration and markup session were held.

For additional information or questions, please contact the International Relations Committee at 5-5021.