Historic “Falun Gong Protection Act” Passes House of Representatives

June 25, 2024

Washington D.C. — In a landmark move, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4132, the Falun Gong Protection Act, in a unanimous voice vote, marking a crucial step forward in addressing the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, particularly the abhorrent practice of forced organ harvesting.​

“We applaud and are deeply grateful to the U.S. Congress for passing the Falun Gong Protection Act before the 25th anniversary of the persecution next month,” said Levi Browde, Falun Dafa Information Center Executive Director.

“This crucial bill will save lives, provide hope to Falun Gong practitioners still suffering in China, curtail forced organ harvesting there, and help American medical centers and patients avoid complicity in this heinous crime. We urge the Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill as soon as possible, and for President Biden to sign the bill into law.”

This historic bill is the first federal law to specifically combat the decades-long human rights abuses suffered by tens of millions of Falun Gong practitioners, although multiple Congressional resolutions have been adopted since 1999 condemning the campaign of repression. The current bill was introduced by Congressman Scott Perry and co-sponsored by 18 other bipartisan members.

Action to save lives 

Among its provisions, the bill finds that, “Credible evidence suggests that Falun Gong practitioners are subject to widespread forced organ harvesting and are specifically targeted for this barbaric practice.”

Such forced organ harvesting was recognized by the China Tribunal in 2019 as a crime against humanity and has been denounced as a form of genocide by numerous academics and researchers. A key provision of the Falun Gong Protection Act instructs the Secretary of State to officially determine if the persecution qualifies as a crime against humanity or genocide under the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act within one year of enactment of the law.

Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report on China’s organ transplant policies and practices, and the imposition of strict sanctions. This includes compiling a list of those found to be involved in the involuntary harvesting of organs and who should therefore be subject to asset blocking and visa restrictions.

Furthermore, the legislation solidifies a statement of policy by the United States, explicitly avoiding any cooperation in the organ transplantation field while the current Chinese regime remains in power. It also encourages the United States to collaborate with allies “to highlight China’s persecution of Falun Gong” and on targeted sanctions and visa restrictions.

“Falun Gong practitioners have played a critical role in challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) censorship and human rights abuses,” says Browde. “The passage of the Falun Gong Protection Act by the House represents not only a triumph for Falun Gong practitioners but also signals a beacon of hope for all who suffer under the CCP.”

“As we celebrate this progress, it is crucial that the Senate take swift action to introduce and pass a companion bill. The urgency of the human rights crisis addressed by this legislation cannot be overstated, and a unified Congressional response is imperative to effectively counter these atrocities.”

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