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HOUSE SCORED ITEMS
1. H.R.496 — To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
This bill directs the President when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. (The United States may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particular concern for religious freedom.)
Sponsor: Wilson, Joe [Rep. R-SC-2] (Introduced 01/28/2021) Cosponsors: (24)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Budget | Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Star Print ordered on the bill. (All Actions)
2. H.R.1155 — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. Goods manufactured or produced in Xinjiang shall not be entitled to entry into the United States unless U.S. Customs and Border Protection (1) determines that the goods were not manufactured by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions; and (2) reports such a determination to Congress and to the public.
Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (Introduced 02/18/2021) Cosponsors: (114)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Ways and Means; Judiciary; Financial Services
Meetings:04/21/21 2:00PM
Latest Action: Senate - 12/22/2022 Received in the Senate. (All Actions)
Roll Call Votes: There has been 1 roll call vote
Tracker: This bill has the status Passed House
3. H.R.1630 — Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act
This bill designates certain residents of the Xinjiang region in China as prioritized refugees of special humanitarian concern, and addresses other related issues.
Sponsor: Deutch, Theodore E. [Rep. D-FL-22] (Introduced 03/08/2021) Cosponsors: (30)
Committees: House - Judiciary; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/18/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. (All Actions)
4. H.R.2117 — Iran Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2021
This bill requires certain reports and determinations with respect to actions by Iran (and designated Iranian officials) that violate human rights. Specifically, the President must determine whether specified Iranian officials meet certain criteria for the application of sanctions based on their responsibility for, or complicity in, human rights abuses.
Sponsor: Wilson, Joe [Rep. R-SC-2] (Introduced 03/19/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary
Latest Action: House - 10/19/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. (All Actions)
5. H.R.3056 — Turkey and Ecumenical Patriarchate Religious Freedom Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of State report to Congress on the State Department's policy for promoting religious freedom in Turkey. If USCIRF recommends putting Turkey on the State Department's special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but the State Department does not do so, the President must report to Congress a justification for the decision. The President shall not have to make this report if Turkey is added to the special watch list or designated a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
Sponsor: Maloney, Carolyn B. [Rep. D-NY-12] (Introduced 05/07/2021) Cosponsors: (13)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/28/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber. (All Actions)
6. H.R.3306 — Uyghur SOS Act
This bill expands existing visa-blocking sanctions to cover certain high-ranking foreign government officials who are responsible for coercive population control policies, such as forced abortions, with a focus on those responsible for such policies against ethnic minority groups in China. The bill also requires the State Department to provide all appropriate assistance to women who belong to an ethnic minority group in China and who have experienced sexual violence, torture, or coercive population control policies.
Sponsor: Hartzler, Vicky [Rep. R-MO-4] (Introduced 05/18/2021) Cosponsors: (29)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary
Latest Action: House - 11/09/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. (All Actions)
7. H.R.3465 — Iran China Accountability Act
This bill prohibits the use of funds to enter into any negotiation with Iran regarding an Iran nuclear agreement until the President makes specified certifications concerning the actions of China and Iran.
Sponsor: Good, Bob [Rep. R-VA-5] (Introduced 05/21/2021) Cosponsors: (7)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/21/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
8. H.R.4785 — To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes.
This bill addresses human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State.
Sponsor: Kim, Young [Rep. R-CA-39] (Introduced 07/29/2021) Cosponsors: (79)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs | Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 12/05/2022 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)
9. H.R.4821 — Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China
The bill states that it is U.S. policy to consider senior Chinese government officials who are responsible for the persecution of Christians or other religious minorities in China to have committed (1) a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights for the purpose of imposing certain sanctions, and (2) a particularly severe violation of religious freedom for the purpose of determining whether such an individual is admissible into the United States.
Sponsor: Hartzler, Vicky [Rep. R-MO-4] (Introduced 07/29/2021) Cosponsors: (39)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Ways and Means | Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 10/11/2022 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)
10. H.R.5497 — BURMA Act of 2021
This bill imposes sanctions property- and visa-blocking sanctions pertaining to Burma (Myanmar) and addresses related issues. The bill authorizes Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development activities in Burma and the surrounding region to support democracy activists, humanitarian assistance, and reconciliation efforts. The State Department may (1) continue to assist organizations supporting political prisoners in Burma, and (2) provide assistance to entities investigating crimes against humanity.
Sponsor: Meeks, Gregory W. [Rep. D-NY-5] (Introduced 10/05/2021) Cosponsors: (84)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Financial Services; Ways and Means | Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 04/07/2022 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)
11. H.R.5665 — Combating International Islamophobia Act
This bill establishes within the Department of State the Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia, establishes the position of Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia, who shall head the office. The bill also requires certain existing annual reports to Congress about human rights and religious freedom in foreign countries to include information about Islamophobia, such as information about (1) acts of physical violence or harassment of Muslim people, (2) instances of propaganda in government and nongovernment media that attempt to justify or promote hatred or incite violence against Muslim people, and (3) actions taken by a country's government to respond to such acts. The office shall coordinate and assist in preparing these portions of the reports.
Sponsor: Omar, Ilhan [Rep. D-MN-5] (Introduced 10/21/2021) Cosponsors: (56)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs | Senate - Foreign Relations
Committee Reports: H. Rept. 117-215, H. Rept. 117-218
Committee Print: H.Prt. 117-23
Latest Action: Senate - 12/15/2021 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)
12. H.R.6204 — Combating International Islamophobia Act
This bill establishes within the Department of State the Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia, and establishes the position of Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia, who shall head the office. The bill also requires certain existing annual reports to Congress about human rights and religious freedom in foreign countries to include information about Islamophobia, such as information about (1) acts of physical violence or harassment of Muslim people, (2) instances of propaganda in government and nongovernment media that attempt to justify or promote hatred or incite violence against Muslim people, and (3) actions taken by a country's government to respond to such acts. The office shall coordinate and assist in preparing these portions of the reports.
Sponsor: Omar, Ilhan [Rep. D-MN-5] (Introduced 12/09/2021) Cosponsors: (56)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 12/09/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
13. H.R.6256 — Restrict Goods Made with Uyghur Forced Labor From Entering United States
This bill imposes importation limits on goods produced using forced labor in China, especially the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and imposes sanctions related to such forced labor.
The bill also expands existing asset- and visa-blocking sanctions related to Xinjiang to cover foreign individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights abuses in connection with forced labor.
Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (Introduced 12/14/2021)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Ways and Means; Judiciary
Latest Action: 2/23/2021 Became Public Law No: 117-78. (All Actions)
14. H.R.6319 — Falun Gong Protection Act
This bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons who are knowingly responsible for, are complicit in, or have engaged in the involuntary harvesting of organs in China. The sanctions shall not apply to certain activities, such as authorized U.S. intelligence or law enforcement activities.
Sponsor: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10] (Introduced 12/16/2021)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary
Latest Action: House - 11/01/2022 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
15. H.R.7332 — North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2022
This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 various activities to promote human rights in North Korea.
Sponsor: Kim, Young [Rep. R-CA-39] (Introduced 03/31/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 03/31/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
16. H.R.7829 — United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2022
This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom through FY2024.
Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep. R-NJ-4] (Introduced 05/18/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/18/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
Rules suspended and passed by roll call vote #438 on 9/19/22
17. H.R.9596 — Uyghur Human Rights Sanctions Review Act
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to determine whether specified Chinese entities (1) are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Uyghurs or certain other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, and (2) meet the criteria for the imposition of certain sanctions.
Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11] (Introduced12/15/2022) Cosponsors: (9)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Judiciary
Latest Action: House - 12/15/2022 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (All Actions)
18. H.Con.Res.110 — Commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran demonstrating in more than 80 cities and risking their safety to speak out against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses.
This concurrent resolution commends the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran who are (1) participating in the current protests to defend their fundamental human rights, and (2) risking their safety to speak out against the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime. The resolution condemns (1) the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini; and (2) the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of women and men participating in the current demonstrations, including children, and calls for transparent accountability for all killings of protesters by Iranian security forces. Finally, the resolution encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests, including the recent sanctioning of the Iranian morality police.
Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep. R-NY-22] (Introduced 09/29/2022) Cosponsors: (77)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 12/07/2022 Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote. (All Actions)
19. H.Res.160 — Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the International Olympic Committee should rebid the 2022 Winter Olympic Games to be hosted by a country that recognizes and respects human rights.
This resolution calls for the International Olympic Committee to rebid the 2022 Winter Olympics if China fails to demonstrate significant progress in securing fundamental human rights. The resolution also expresses support for the well-being of Olympic athletes and the integrity of sport.
Sponsor: Perry, Scott [Rep. R-PA-10] (Introduced 02/24/2021) Cosponsors: (29)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2021 Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Perry. Petition No: 117-4. (Discharge petition text with signatures.) (All Actions)
20. H.Res.456 — Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.
This resolution expresses respect for and solidarity with the families and friends of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for participating in prodemocracy demonstrations during the spring of 1989 in Tiananmen Square. It also reaffirms support for those who continue to work for political reform, rule of law, and human rights in China.
Sponsor: Bera, Ami [Rep. D-CA-7] (Introduced 06/04/2021) Cosponsors: (22)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 08/04/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation. (All Actions)
21. H.Res.466 — Urging the International Olympic Committee to take into consideration the mass detention of Uyghurs and consider all options to uphold the fundamental rights of persecuted minorities in China ahead of the 2022 Olympic Games.
This resolution urges the International Olympic Committee to consider that the Olympic Charter's principles of solidarity and nondiscrimination are hard to reconcile with holding the 2022 Winter Games in China, a country that the resolution states stands credibly accused of perpetuating crimes against humanity and genocide against ethnic and religious minorities.
Sponsor: Malinowski, Tom [Rep. D-NJ-7] (Introduced 06/08/2021) Cosponsors: (8)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 08/04/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation. (All Actions)
22. H.Res.500 — Condemning the Chinese Communist Party for 100 years of gross violations of human rights and standing with the Chinese people in their struggle for liberty.
This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party and its violation of the human rights of the people of China.
Sponsor: Gallagher, Mike [Rep. R-WI-8](Introduced 06/25/2021) Cosponsors: (52)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 08/04/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation. (All Actions)
23. H.Res.527 — Expressing solidarity with the Cuban people in their demands for freedom and respect for basic human rights.
This resolution recognizes and expresses support for the efforts of democracy and human rights activists in Cuba.
Sponsor: Diaz-Balart, Mario [Rep. R-FL-25] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (49)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
24. H.Res.694 — Condemning the inhumane treatment and human rights abuses toward women and girls in Afghanistan by Taliban forces through their strict interpretation of Sharia law.
This resolution condemns any actions taken by any terrorist organization or government in Afghanistan to oppress women and girls. It also demands that the Taliban preserve and advance the rights and freedoms of all women and girls.
Sponsor: Norman, Ralph [Rep. R-SC-5] (Introduced 09/30/2021) Cosponsors: (15)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
25. H.Res.744 — Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the international covenants on human rights. Further, it calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned or detained Baha'is, and it urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community.
Sponsor: Deutch, Theodore E. [Rep. D-FL-22] (Introduced 10/25/2021) Cosponsors: (87)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 12/01/2022 Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 4601, as amended; H.R. 4772, as amended; H.R. 4899; H.R. 5943, as amended; H.R. 7158, as amended; H.R. 8203; H.R. 9308; and S... (All Actions)
26. H.Res.843— Affirming the historical connection of the Jewish people to the ancient and sacred city of Jerusalem and condemning efforts at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to deny Judaism's millennia-old historical, religious, and cultural ties to Jerusalem.
This resolution recognizes and affirms the Jewish people's historical connection to Jerusalem.
Sponsor: Gaetz, Matt [Rep. R-FL-1] (Introduced 12/08/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 12/08/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
27. H.Res.895— Strongly condemning ongoing violence and human rights abuses stemming from Cameroon's Anglophone crisis.
This resolution urges the government to initiate dialogues with separatist groups and civil society, follow through on initiatives developed to address various grievances, and comply with international human rights standards. The resolution also urges separatist groups to immediately stop committing human rights abuses and end their incitement of violence and hate speech.
Sponsor: Bass, Karen [Rep. D-CA-37] (Introduced 02/01/2022) Cosponsors: (41)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 02/09/2022 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. (All Actions)
28. H.Res.926— Recognizing the growing threats against women and children, religious and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI persons in Afghanistan and against allies of such individuals, such as civil society leaders and activists, scholars, former government officials, journalists, and media workers, and expressing solidarity with and reaffirming the dire need to protect vulnerable and minority populations and their allies in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
This resolution stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and with vulnerable groups; calls on the Taliban to uphold the protection of universal human rights; calls for the international community to condemn human rights violations committed by the Taliban; and calls on the U.S. government to work closely with the international community and nongovernmental organizations, particularly such organizations based in Afghanistan, to support at-risk Afghan minority populations and other vulnerable communities.
Sponsor: Carson, Andre [Rep. D-IN-7] (Introduced 02/15/2022) Cosponsors: (17)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 02/15/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
29. H.Res.1125 — Condemning rising antisemitism.
This resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn anti-Semitism in all forms. It also calls for renewed efforts to combat anti-Semitism domestically, globally, and online.
Sponsor: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [Rep. D-FL-23] (Introduced 05/17/2022) Cosponsors: (10)
Committees: House - Judiciary; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/18/2022 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (All Actions)
30. H.Res.1196 — Condemning human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India, including those targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities.
The resolution also calls on the Department of State to designate India as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016.
Sponsor: Omar, Ilhan [Rep. D-MN-5] (Introduced 06/21/2022) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 06/21/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
31. H.Res.1430 — Recognizing the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971.
This resolution condemns the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the people of Bangladesh from March-December 1971.
Sponsor: Chabot, Steve [Rep.R-OH-1] (Introduced 10/14/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 10/14/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM GROUPS
FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism
The Task Force works to ensure that Congress plays an integral role in condemning anti-Semitism and spearheading initiatives that promote tolerance worldwide. In the 116th Congress, the Task Force will continue to serve as a forum for educating Members on this distinct form of intolerance and to engage with the Administration, foreign leaders, and civil society organizations to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to rebuff this systemic problem. It will also promote Holocaust remembrance in concert with exploring innovative ways to teach tolerance and confront hate. Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) re-launched the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism in the House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. The task force had 151otal members in the 116th Congress.
Congressional Ahmadiyya Muslim Caucus
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Caucus was launched in 2014 by former Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) to educate members of Congress about the repression of religious minorities worldwide, including Ahmadi Muslims, Christians and other persecuted communities. Current co-chairs are Speier and Peter King (R-NY). The caucus seeks redress for ongoing religious intolerance against Ahmadi Muslims in South and Central Asia, the Middle East and East Asia, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. This bipartisan caucus staunchly opposes persecution and violence against all religious minorities and believes that everyone should have the right to worship as they choose.
Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus
The Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, founded in 2008, is a bipartisan Congressional Member organization that serves as an informational and advocacy tool for besieged religious minorities who are central to a pluralistic, multi-cultural Middle East.
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
Founded in 2008, the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Commission undertakes public education activities, provides expert human rights advice and encourages members of Congress to proactively engage in human rights matters, of which international religious freedom is one. In carrying out its mandate, the Commission collaborates with congressional staff, the U.S. Senate and the executive branch, and continually engages with national and international civil society organizations.
Defending Freedoms Project
The Defending Freedoms Project (DFP) supports prisoners of conscience around the world. DFP aims to increase attention to human rights abuses by encouraging Members of Congress to advocate on behalf of prisoners of conscience wherever they may be found. The project allows Members to stand in solidarity with prisoners of conscience, let them know they have not been forgotten, and encourage accountability for unjust treatment. Any Member of Congress who chooses to support the case of a prisoner is provided with a detailed toolkit to help facilitate in his/her advocacy efforts. By taking on a prisoner’s case, the Member could contribute to the release or reduction of a prison sentence or the improvement of prison conditions, while also raising awareness about the unjust laws or policies that led to imprisonment. The project is flexible, allowing Members to determine and pursue different advocacy activities.