Alford, Budd Demand Full Force American Sanctions in Response to CCP Crackdown on Religious Freedom in China

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act to strengthen America's response and to combat the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. The legislation, filed on the 26th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day, would implement strict sanctions on any CCP official who is responsible for or directly carries out violations of religious freedom. Congressman Alford was joined by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) who introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"The Chinese Communist Party has perpetrated heinous abuses against religious groups for decades. It's time the United States to stand up for religious freedom in China as we have in other parts of the world. I'm proud to co-lead the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act with Senator Budd and our colleagues to take a stand, stop these abuses, and promote global religious freedom," said Congressman Alford.

"China's disdain for religious freedom is not new. It is an ongoing and brutal pattern of abuse that must be met with steadfast American strength. As the leader of the free world, the United States must promote religious freedom around the world and hold China's authoritarian regime responsible for decades of persecution targeting Christians and other religious minorities. The CCP's restrictions on freedom of religion and cruelty toward religious minorities in China must come to an end," said Senator Budd.

Read the text of the legislation here.

Representatives Greg Steube (F-17), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), and Michael McCaul (TX-10) co-sponsored the legislation.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) co-sponsored the legislation.

BACKGROUND

The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act would:

• Impose sanctions on CCP officials who are responsible for or directly carrying out religious freedom abuse such as arbitrary imprisonment, forced labor, and broader restrictions on freedom of religion or belief.
• Strengthen efforts to combat the ongoing persecution of Protestant Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and other religious minorities in the People's Republic of China (PRC) within Department of State's programs, including its Bureau of East and Pacific Affairs.
• Express the sense of Congress that China should continue to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern.

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