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HOUSE SCORED ITEMS

  1. H.R.554 Saudi Educational Transparency and Reform Act of 2019

This bill directs the State Department to report annually on whether educational materials published by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education include content that encourages violence and intolerance toward religious groups, including Muslims who hold dissenting views. The report shall also include the extent such materials are exported and efforts by the Saudi government to remove any intolerant content.

Primary Sponsor: Joe Wilson R-CS-2

Status: 10/30/19 Ordered to be reported (amended) by Foreign Affairs Committee unanimous consent, 20 Cosponsors

*See S.357

  1. H.R.649 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019

This bill directs various U.S. government bodies to prepare reports on China's treatment of the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim Turkic ethnic group.

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4

Status: 3/4/19 Referred by Judiciary Committee to Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee, 138 Cosponsors

*See S.187

  1. H.R.1025 UIGHUR Act of 2019

This bill imposes sourcing restrictions and export controls related to China's mass detention of the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim Turkic ethnic group in Xinjiang.

Primary Sponsor: Brad Sherman D-CA-30

Status: 3/22/19 Referred by Judiciary Committee to Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee, 38 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.1359 Digital GAP Act

This bill promotes Internet access in developing countries and updates foreign policy toward the Internet.

Primary Sponsor: Ron Wright R-TX-6

Status: 5/20/19 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 6 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.1383 Vietnam Human Rights Act

This bill authorizes various aid programs related to Vietnam and amends State Department reporting requirements related to any foreign assistance and human rights, including assessments of online freedom of expression and efforts by governments to censor information, punish individuals for their speech, and monitor communications. The Vietnam report shall include information regarding the country's progress in various areas, including with respect to ending torture and violence against religious groups and returning property improperly confiscated by the Vietnamese government.

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4

Status: 2/26/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 51 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.2037 Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019

This bill requires the State Department to report the extent to which Saudi Arabia is responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and about U.S. actions to address such violations. The report shall also describe the publication by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education of intolerant educational materials and U.S. actions to encourage an end to the production and use of such materials.

Primary Sponsor: Tom Malinowski D-NJ-7

Status: 7/15/19 Passed/agreed to in House (amended), 19 Cosponsors

*See S.2351 

  1. H.R.2561 Brunei Human Rights Act

This bill requires the State Department to report annually on foreign countries that enforce laws targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals; women; children; religious minorities; or other volnerable popolations. It also requires an annual report on its efforts to assist refugees from Brunei seeking asylum in other countries.

Primary Sponsor: Ilhan Omar D-MN-5

Status: 5/31/19 Referred by Judiciary Committee to Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee, 19 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.3190 Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2019

This bill requires the President to impose sanctions (asset and visa blocking) against current or former officials who are responsible for or who supported serious human rights abuses in Burma, as well as against entities controlled by such officials and military-linked entities that provide such officials significant financial benefits. 

Primary Sponsor: Eliot Engel D-NY-16

Status: 9/24/19 Passed/agreed to in House, 54 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.3532 China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2019

This bill controls the export to the People’s Republic of China of certain technology and intellectual property important to the national interest of the U.S.

Primary Sponsor: Mark Green R-TN-7

Status: 6/27/19 Introduced, 18 Cosponsors

*See S.1459 

  1. H.R.4331 Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019

This bill modifies and reauthorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet and China.

Primary Sponsor: James McGovern D-MA-2

Status: 1/28/20 Passed/agreed to in House, 35 Cosponsors

*See S.2539

  1. H.R.5379 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2019

This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Primary Sponsor: David N. Cicilline D-RI-1

Status: 12/10/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs and House Administration Committees, 0 Cosponsors

*See S.2503

12. H.R.5408 Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act

This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particolar concern for religious freedom, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine controlled by Russia or Russia-affiliated non-state groups. (The U.S. may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particolar concern for religious freedom.)

Primary Sponsor: Joe Wilson R-CS-2

Status: 12/18/20 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 22 Cosponsors

*See S.3064

  1. H.R.6210 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.

Primary Sponsor: James McGovern D-MA-2

Status: 9/22/20 Passed/agreed to in House, 87 Cosponsors

*See S.3471

  1. H.R.6986 Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act

This bill encourages the protection and promotion of internationally recognized human rights during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Primary Sponsor: James McGovern D-MA-2

Status: 10/1/20 Discharged by Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organization Subcommittee of Foreign Affairs Committee, 18 Cosponsors

*See S.3819 

  1. H.R.7001 World Press Freedom Protection and Reciprocity Act

This bill protects and promotes the freedom of the press globally.

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4

Status: 5/22/20 Referred to Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, 1 Cosponsor

*See S.3818 

  1. H.R.8286 Countering Chinese Propaganda Act

This bill imposes sanctions with respect to foreign persons who knowingly spread malign disinformation as part of or on behalf of a foreign government or political party for purposes of political warfare and to require a determination regarding the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party.

Primary Sponsor: Jim Banks R-IN-3

Status: 09/17/20 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 3 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.8428 Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020

This bill provides temporary protected status for residents of Hong Kong.

Primary Sponsor: Tom Malinowski D-NJ-7

Status: 12/7/20 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 23 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.8438 Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020

This bill reauthorizes the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4

Status: 11/18/20 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 15 Cosponsors

  1. H.R.8744 Rohingya Genocide Determination Act of 2020

This bill requires a determination as to whether crimes committed against the Rohingya in Burma amount to genocide.

Primary Sponsor: Andy Levin D-MI-9

Status: 11/20/20 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, 11 Cosponsors

*See S.4659

  1. H.Con.Res.50 Strongly condemning human rights violations, violence against civilians, and cooperation with Iran by the Houthi movement and its allies in Yemen.

This concurrent resolution (1) condemns the Houthi movement in Yemen for violence and humanitarian and other violations, (2) expresses concern about Iran's support for the Houthis, (3) urges parties in the Yemeni civil war to uphold a December 2018 ceasefire and withdrawal agreement, and (4) urges the U.S. government to support a peace process to end the civil war and humanitarian crisis.

Primary Sponsor: Will Hurd R-TX-23

Status: 07/17/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism Subcommittee,  9 Cosponsors

*See S.Con.Res.21

  1. H.Res.49 Supporting Coptic Christians in Egypt

This resolution acknowledges the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership and Egypt's role in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism and urges the Egyptian government to enact serious and legitimate reforms to ensure that Coptic Christians have the same rights and opportunities as other Egyptian citizens and to take steps to end the colture of impunity for attacks on Christians. 

Primary Sponsor: French Hill R-AR-2

Status: 3/14/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism Subcommittee, 76 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.89 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States shoold grant asylum to Aasiya Noreen, internationally known as Asia Bibi, and her immediate family, due to the persecution she has faced on account of her religion.

This resolution expresses support for granting asylum to Pakistani citizen Aasiya Noreen, internationally known as Asia Bibi, and her immediate family, due to religious persecution.

It also recognizes the importance of granting asylum to those individuals with legitimate claims of persecution for their religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political belief.

Primary Sponsor: Ken Calvert R-CA-42

Status: 1/30/19 Referred by Judiciary Committee to Immigration and Citizenship Committee, 0 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.141 Calling upon the leadership of the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to dismantle its labor camp system, and for other purposes.

This resolution calls for the international community to demand that North Korea dismantle its labor camp system and cease human rights abuses and release political prisoners.

Primary Sponsor: Michael Conaway R-TX-11

Status: 2/22/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 57 Cosponsors

*See H.Res.115, S.Res.303

  1. H.Res.160 Expressing concern about the threat posed to democracy and human rights by theocratic groups operating in South Asia.

This resolution calls upon the governments of Bangladesh and Pakistan to stop Jamaat-e-Islami (an Islamist political party) from threatening regional stability and urges U.S. agencies to end partnerships with groups affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami. It also presses law enforcement to investigate the reported collaboration between the Hand for Relief and Development (a charitable organization) and a Pakistani terrorist organization.

Primary Sponsor: Jim Banks R-IN-3

Status: 2/28/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 10 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.259 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to support the repatriation of religiousand ethnic minorities in Iraq to their ancestral homelands.

This resolution expresses that (1) the U.S. shoold support the safe return of displaced indigenous people of the Nineveh Plain and Sinjar to their ancestral homeland and (2) the Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga shoold work to more folly integrate all communities, including religious minority communities, to counter current and future terrorist threats.

Primary Sponsor: Jeff Fortenberry R-NE-1

Status: 6/20/19 Ordered to be reported (amended) by Foreign Affairs Committee voice vote, 76 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.336 Condemning the terrorist attacks on Christian worshipers in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, and standing with the Government of Sri Lanka to encourage the protection and preservation of religiousliberties.

This resolution condemns the April 21, 2019 terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and declares that the House of Representatives stands with the government of Sri Lanka in bringing peace and security to the citizens of Sri Lanka, particolarly the religious communities of that nation.

Primary Sponsor: Mike Gallagher R-WI-8

Status: 5/1/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, 0 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.176, S.Res.184

  1. H.Res.346 Recognizing the devastating April 21, 2019, terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka and observing 10 years since the end of Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war, which ended on May 18, 2009.

This resolution offers condolences to the families and friends of victims of the April 21, 2019 terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and expresses support for efforts to advance reconciliation, religious and ethnic protection, human rights, and security.

Primary Sponsor: Dina Titus D-NV-1

Status: 5/1/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, 9 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.358 Calling on the Government of Cameroon and armed groups to respect the human rights of all Cameroonian citizens, to end all violence, and to pursue a broad-based dialogue without preconditions to resolve the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

This resolution strongly condemns the government of Cameroon's abuses in the country's Anglophone regions, including the use of violence and violations of press freedoms. It 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.

Primary Sponsor: Karen Bass D-CA-37

Status: 7/23/19 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 54 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.684

  1. H.Res.374 Condemning Iranian state-sponsored terrorism and expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secolar, and non-nuclear republic of Iran.

This resolution condemns Iranian state-sponsored terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and officials and Iranian dissidents and expresses support for the people of Iran who are engaged in legitimate and peacefol protests against the Iranian regime.

Primary Sponsor: Tom McClintock R-CA-4

Status: 5/16/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism Subcommittee, 221 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.387 Condemning continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict.

This resolution condemns violence against civilians in the Central African Republic and expresses support for efforts to combat the threat posed by armed groups. The resolution also urges relevant federal departments and agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to these civilians and take steps to prioritize a stronger partnership between the U.S. and the Central African Republic.

Primary Sponsor: David Cicilline D-RI-1

Status: 3/3/20 Passed/agreed to in House, 28 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.393 Remembering the victims of the violent suppression of democracy protests in Tiananmen Square and elsewhere in China on June 3 and 4, 1989, and calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to respect the universally recognized human rights of all people living in China and around the world.

This resolution expresses support for the leaders of the peacefol Tiananmen pro-democracy 

demonstrations in the spring of 1989 in Beijing and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for their participation. It also calls on the Chinese government to (1) support a foll and transparent accounting of its violent suppression of the protests, (2) cease censoring information about the massacre, and (3) allow the protesters to return to China without risk of retribution.

Primary Sponsor: James McGovern D-MA-2 

Status: 6/4/19 Passed/agreed to in House, 37 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.408 Condemning the terrorist attack in India that tragically killed 41 Indian Central Reserve Police.

This resolution condemns the terrorist attack in India that tragically killed 41 police; recognizes that terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and al-Qaeda, pose a threat to the peace and security of the world; and supports the rights of religious and other minorities around the world, including Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Sikhs, Sindhis, Hindus, Christians, Jews, and Ahmadis.

Primary Sponsor: Brad Sherman D-CA-30

Status: 5/23/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 13 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.432 Condemning the attacks on peacefol protesters and supporting an immediate peacefol transition to a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan.

This resolution expresses support for the people of Sudan and their right to peacefolly assemble and express their demands for political change. It condemns the government of Sudan's use of violence and arbitrary detention against peacefol protesters, and calls for an immediate transfer of power by the military to an inclusive, civilian-led government. 

Primary Sponsor: Daniel Kildee D-MI-5

Status: 7/15/19 Passed/agreed to in House, 71 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.435 Recognizing the contributions of the Montagnard indigenous tribespeople of the Central Highlands of Vietnam to the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and condemning the ongoing violation of human rights by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

This resolution recognizes the contributions of the Montagnard indigenous tribespeople who fought loyally and bravely alongside U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and who continue to suffer persecution in Vietnam.

Primary Sponsor: Ted Budd R-NC-13

Status: 6/11/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 5 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.369

  1. H.Res.441 A resolution condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in Joly 1994 and expressing the concern of the United States regarding the continuing, 25-year-long delay in the resolution of this case and encouraging accountability for the attack.

This resolution condemns the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and expresses sympathy for the victims' relatives. It also expresses concern for the continuing 25-year delay in the proper resolution of the case and supports accountability for the attack, including the Iranian and Hezbollah operatives involved.

Primary Sponsor: Theodore Deutch D-FL-22

Status: 7/15/19 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 30 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.227

  1. H.Res.442 Observing 10 years since the war in Sri Lanka ended on May 18, 2009, commemorating the lives lost, and expressing support for transitional justice, reconciliation, reconstruction, reparation, and reform in Sri Lanka, which are necessary to ensure a lasting peace and a prosperous future for all Sri Lankans.

This resolution acknowledges the 10th anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka. It expresses condolences to all those affected, honors the memory of those who died, and reaffirms solidarity with the Sri Lankan people in their search for reconciliation, reconstruction, reparation, and reform. 

Primary Sponsor: Bill Johnson R-OH-6

Status: 7/17/19 Ordered to be reported (amended) by Foreign Affairs Committee unanimous consent, 17 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.493 Condemning the persecution of Christians in China.

This resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to promoting religious freedom in China and urges U.S. officials to make concerted efforts to address the issue of religious persecution in China. The resolution also calls on China to release all religious prisoners and ensure that detainees are treated humanely.

Primary Sponsor: Vicky Hartzler R-MO-4

Status: 7/16/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 43 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.512 Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.

This resolution calls on the President and the State Department to (1) make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in bilateral relationships between the U.S. and countries that have such laws; (2) designate countries that enforce such laws as countries of particolar concern for religious freedom; and (3) oppose efforts by the United Nations to implement an international anti-blasphemy norm. The resolution also calls on the governments of countries that enforce such laws to amend or repeal them and to release anyone imprisoned pursuant to them.

Primary Sponsor: Jamie Raskin D-MD-8

Status: 12/7/20 Passed/agreed to in House, 43 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.458

  1. H.Res.640 Condemning the global persecution of Christians.

This resolution condemns the persecution of members of any faith and calls on foreign governments to recognize the right of Christians to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

Primary Sponsor: Gary Palmer R-AL-6

Status: 10/25/19 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, 42 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.745 Urging the Republic of India to end the restrictions on communications and mass detentions in Jammu and Kashmir as swiftly as possible and preserve religious freedom for all residents.

This resolution recognizes the security challenges faced by India in Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution urges India to employ certain measures to uphold human rights and refrain from the use of violence against minority groups, protestors, and detainees.

Primary Sponsor: Pramila Jayapal D-WA-7

Status: 12/6/19 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 68 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.752 Supporting the rights of the people of Iran to free expression, condemning the Iranian regime for its crackdown on legitimate protests, and for other purposes.

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with the people in Iran engaged in legitimate and peacefol protests against an oppressive and corrupt regime. The resolution condemns the Iranian regime's serious human rights abuses and destabilizing activities abroad and calls on all democratic governments and institutions to clearly support the Iranian people's right to live in a free society.

Primary Sponsor: Theodore Deutch D-FL-22

Status: 1/28/20 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 31 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.754 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States shoold continue to support the people of Nicaragua in their peacefol efforts to promote democracy and human rights, and use the tools under United States law to increase political and financial pressure on the government of Daniel Ortega.

This resolution (1) calls on Nicaragua to release all political prisoners and cease all acts of repression against dissenting voices, (2) urges the Nicaraguan government to respect its citizens' constitutional rights and implement electoral reforms, and (3) recognizes and encourages efforts to promote democracy in Nicaragua by holding corrupt actors and human rights abusers in the Nicaraguan government accountable for their actions.

Primary Sponsor: Albio Sires D-NJ-8

Status: 03/09/2020 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 28 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.802 Affirming the United States vital interest in liberty in Europe and resolute support for Ukraine in its efforts to counter 

Russian aggression and continue its trajectory among the community of democracies.

This resolution affirms the U.S. vital interest in liberty in Europe and resolute support for Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression and continue its trajectory among the community of democracies.

Primary Sponsor: Marcy Kaptur D-OH-9

Status: 2/4/20 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment Subcommittee, 19 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.823 Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human 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 urges the President and the State Department to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community.

Primary Sponsor: Theodore Deutch D-FL-22

Status: 12/07/2020 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 94 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.578

  1. H.Res.919 Condemning the United Nations decision to appoint China a seat on its Human Rights Council.

This resolution condemns the United Nations decision to appoint China a seat on its Human Rights Council.

Primary Sponsor: Gregory Steube R-FL-17

Status: 4/10/20 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 10 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.958 Condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse.

This resolution condemns the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calls for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urges action by the U.S. government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for such human rights abuse.

Primary Sponsor: Eliot Engel D-NY-16

Status: 12/3/20 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote, 29 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.524

  1. H.Res.994 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning threats to Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy on the 31st anniversary of the violent repression of the peacefol protests centered in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

This resolution condemns threats to Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy on the anniversary of the violent repression of the peacefol protests centered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4

Status: 6/26/20 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, 7 Cosponsors

*See S.Res.608

  1. H.Res.1045 Condemning the genocide and other crimes against the Bosniak community perpetrated by Bosnian Serb forces at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Joly 1995.

This resolution condemns the genocide and other crimes against the Bosniak community perpetrated by Bosnian Serb forces at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Joly 1995.

Primary Sponsor: Eddie Johnson D-TX-30

Status: 7/16/20 Sponsor introductory remarks in Armed Services Committee, 5 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.1050 Urging Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

This resolution urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Primary Sponsor: Carolyn Maloney D-NY-12

Status: 7/24/20 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment Subcommittee, 12 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.1085 Condemning targeted terrorist attacks against members of the Sikh, Hindu, and other religious minority communities in Afghanistan and supporting refugee protection for Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan in recognition of the systematic religious persecution, discrimination, and existential danger faced by the members of these communities.

This resolution condemns targeted terrorist attacks against members of the Sikh, Hindu, and other religious minority communities in Afghanistan and supports refugee protection for Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan in recognition of the systematic religious persecution, discrimination, and existential danger faced by the members of these communities.

Primary Sponsor: Jackie Speier D-CA-14

Status: 8/14/20 Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee, 14 Cosponsors

  1. H.Res.1170 Commemorating the life of MI Karamchand Gandhi.

This resolution commemorates the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Primary Sponsor: Raja Krishnamoorthi D-IL-8

Status: 10/9/20 Referred by Foreign Affairs Committee to Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, 19 Cosponsors

  1. S.178 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019

This bill directs the President to impose sanctions and export restrictions related to China's treatment of the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim Turkic ethnic group.

Primary Sponsor: Marco Rubio R-FL

Status: 9/11/19 Passed/agreed to in Senate; 12/03/19 Passed/agreed to in House, 50 Cosponsors

*See H.R.649

  1. S.1838 Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019

This law directs various departments to assess whether political developments in Hong Kong justify changing Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. 

Primary Sponsor: Marco Rubio R-FL

Status: 11/19/19 Passed/agreed to in Senate; 11/20/19 Passed/agreed to in House; 11/27/19 Became Law, 56 Cosponsors

  1. S.3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020

This law imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and requires various reports on the topic.

Primary Sponsor: Marco Rubio R-FL

Status: 5/14/20 Passed/agreed to in Senate; 5/27/20 Passed/agreed to in House; 6/17/20 Became Law, 66 Cosponsors

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.