Washington, DC – Today, Representative Michael M. Honda (CA – 15) held a telephone press conference to discuss H. Res. 121, a bipartisan resolution he introduced last week calling on the government of Japan to formally acknowledge and apologize for the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces’ World War II-era coercion of some 200,000 young women – known as ‘comfort women’ –  into sexual slavery.

“This is a matter of fundamental justice. These brave women’s wounds have been left to fester for over a half century; as they grow older, the time for justice – long deferred and denied – is now,” said Rep. Honda. “Japan is a member in good standing of the community of free, democratic nations. It is my sincere hope that this great country will live up to its honorable reputation. I am confident that the majority of my Congressional colleagues from both sides of the aisle will join me in calling on Japan to do so.”

H. Res. 121 original co-sponsors are: Representatives Edward R. Royce (CA – 40), Christopher H. Smith (NJ - 4), Diane E. Watson (CA - 33), David Wu (OR - 1), Phil Hare (IL - 17), and Delegate Madaleine Bordallo (GU).

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment will hold a hearing on the measure on Thursday February 15, 2007 at 1:30 PM in room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Subcommittee Chair Del. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (AS) will preside. The subcommittee will hear testimony from witnesses including Rep. Honda and surviving comfort women. A media availability will precede the session.

The text of H. Res.121 may be read at: http://www.house.govCOMFORTWOMEN.html