(Minghui.org) U.S. Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Falun Gong Protection Act on July 31, 2024, which imposes sanctions against forced organ harvesting in China, according to a press release issued on the same day. Senators Ron Johnson, Roger Marshall, and Thom Tillis are cosponsors. The House of Representatives had previously passed the Falun Gong Protection Act on June 25, which was introduced by Representative Scott Perry.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Falun Gong Protection Act on July 31, 2024.
The bill aims to “avoid any cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in the organ transplantation field while the Chinese Communist Party remains in power” and “take appropriate measures, including using relevant sanctions authorities, to coerce the Chinese Communist Party to end any state-sponsored organ harvesting campaign.”
Furthermore, the U.S. government will work with allies, partners, and multilateral institutions to highlight the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and coordinate closely with the international community on targeted sanctions and visa restrictions.
In particular, the Secretary of State will submit a report on the organ transplant policies and practices in China. The President will submit a list of foreign persons who have knowingly and directly engaged in, or facilitated the involuntary harvesting of organs within the People’s Republic of China. Individuals on the list would be ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States.
If passed, this will be a powerful legislation to curb the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong and accompanying forced organ harvesting.
In his press release Senator Rubio said, “Communist China has been able to get away with a campaign of widespread evil. From committing acts of genocide against religious and ethnic groups, to spearheading forced sterilization and abortions, as well as dominating crucial minerals and technologies, and impeding the sovereignty of several regional partners, the U.S. will not tolerate these practices.”
On the same day, Senator Rubio also introduced the STOP CCP Act and UN Special Rapporteur Funding Prohibition. The STOP CCP Act would require sanctions on members of the Chinese Communist Party, along with their adult family members, who are involved in acts of aggression, oppression, and human rights abuses. This includes blocking property transactions as well as denying visas and entry into the United States. U.S. Representatives Lisa McClain, Jimmy Panetta, Vern Buchanan, and Chris Pappas introduced the companion legislation in the House.
The UN Special Rapporteur Funding Prohibition would prohibit taxpayer funding of the UN position of “Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights,” because the role has been used to advocate suspending sanctions against China, even though the sanctions are levied for human rights violations.
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