(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners held a rally, parade, and candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. on July 17, 2025. A forum was held in the U.S. Capital Visitor Centre in the afternoon of the 17th to call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 26-year-long persecution of Falun Gong, and to call attention to how the regime’s persecution has extended to the U.S.
Many U.S. Senators and Representatives from both parties expressed their support for Falun Gong through video recordings, letters, or media interviews. They were deeply sympathetic of the persecution suffered by Falun Gong practitioners and remembered those who died in the suppression. These officials said they will stand with Falun Gong practitioners to stop the persecution, and called on the international society to stop the CCP’s transnational repression of Falun Gong, including Shen Yun Performing Arts.
(Continued from Part 1)
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee: The CCP Is Targeting Shen Yun and Falun Gong Practitioners on American Soil
Sen. Marsha Blackburn stated in an interview with NTD TV: “The Chinese Communist Party’s hatred for dissent and religious freedom doesn’t stop at China’s borders. The CCP is actively working on American soil through coordinated intimidation, harassment and disinformation efforts to target Shen Yun and Falun Gong practitioners. As the CCP exports its tyranny to the United States, I will continue working with my colleagues to expose and eliminate the CCP’s malign influence.”
Senator Rick Scott of Florida: We Must Stand With Falun Gong Practitioners
Republican Sen. Rick Scott said in an interview: “They [Falun Gong practitioners] have the guts to stand up against a government like that, and as Americans and anybody that believes in human rights, we have to stand with them. China has grossly violated the human rights of its people.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama: The Senate Must Pass the Falun Gong Protection Act
Sen. Tommy Tuberville said, about the Senate passing the Falun Gong Protection Act: “We need to make some kind of decision. The house has done that. We need to do the same thing.”
Rep. Adam Smith of Washington D.C: I Am Concerned About the CCP’s Abuses Against Falun Gong Practitioners
“As a long-time member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I believe that governments should respect people’s freedoms and rights and promote the equal treatment of all individuals. Discrimination in any form cannot be tolerated. No person should be persecuted for their spiritual or religious beliefs, and we must work to eliminate acts of hate against people of different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. These are basic rights and fundamental pillars of peaceful, inclusive societies.
“I remain concerned about reports of discrimination and abuses against Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party, and I will continue to monitor the situation. You will be pleased to know that H.R 1540, the Falun Gong Protection Act, passed the U.S House of Representatives on May 5, 2025. This bill would require the President to impose sanctions on individuals who have participated in the involuntary harvesting of organs in China.”
Rep. Stephen F. Lynch of Massachusetts: I Urge the Senate to Pass the Falun Gong Protection Act as Soon as Possible
Democrat Rep. Stephen F. Lynch wrote in his statement: “It is a pleasure to join with my fellow Members of Congress and with all of you today to reiterate our demand that the Chinese Government end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
“Despite more than two decades of international pressure, China continues its relentless mistreatment, detention, and persecution of its citizens who have chosen to practice Falun Gong. Its disgraceful targeting of its own citizens for harassment, arrest, and torture cannot be condoned. We must continue to demand that the Chinese Government end these horrific violations against its people.
“I am encouraged that the House of Representatives passed by voice vote this past May, the Falun Gong Protection Act. This is an important piece of legislation that would hold to account the persons involved in the involuntary harvesting of organs in China by imposing sanctions on the perpetrators of these atrocities. I would urge the United States Senate to consider and pass this bill as soon as possible.
“The United States has long stood up for the basic human rights owed to every person. Indeed, our own Declaration of Independence, one of our most sacred founding documents, speaks to how the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable and inherent to every human being. It is time for the Government of China to finally recognise and respect those rights.”
Rep. French Hill of Arkansas: I Stand With You to Hold the CCP Accountable
Rep. French Hill praised Falun Gong practitioners for their resistance to the CCP’s persecution over the past 26 years: “Falun Gong practitioners have shown tremendous courage by choosing peace, compassion, and truth in the face of relentless oppression. I commend your steadfast advocacy, which continues to bring critical attention to the CCP’s abuses and helps keep hope alive for those still suffering.”
Rep. Hill said, “I remain committed to standing with you and continuing the fight to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable.
“For well over two decades, the CCP has carried out one of the most persistent and egregious campaigns against human rights in modern history. Millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been subjected to detention, torture, and forced organ harvesting. These barbaric crimes shock the conscience and demand a clear and unified response from the global community.
“During my time as Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisations, I worked closely with colleague to highlight these abuses and push for meaningful action. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R 1154, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, during the 118th Congress. This legislation would have imposed sanctions on those who fund or facilitate this horrific practice and would have improved enforcement against human trafficking tied to the organ trade.
“This is not only a Chinese issue. It is a matter of basic human rights. The CCP’s transnational repression reaches beyond China’s borders and has targeted groups like Shen Yun and Falun Gong practitioners even here in the United States. This cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Rep. Ro Khanna of California: I Condemn the CCP’s Censorship and Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners
Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna said in an interview: “I condemn the CCP’s censorship and persecution of those who practice Falun Gong. We need to protect religious freedom and human rights around the world.”
Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa: The CCP Must Be Held Accountable
Republican Rep. Zach Nunn said in an interview: “The reported targeting of Shen Yun Performing Arts and Falun Gong practitioners by alleged CCP-linked agents is a clear national security threat. No regime has the right to operate fear campaigns on American soil, and anyone acting on behalf of a foreign government to harass people in the U.S. must be held accountable under U.S. law.”
Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia: We Stand for What’s Right
Republican Rep. Rich McCormick said in an interview: “A dangerous government and a very powerful government going against you. [Resistance] is a hard thing to do, but it’s the right thing to do. We stand for what’s right. And I think those are the people who write history.”
Rep. Johnny Olszewski of Maryland: A Challenge to American Safety
Democrat Rep. Johnny Olszewski said in an interview: “If we don’t call out human rights abuses from a country that is seeking to expand its sphere of influence across the world, it really challenges American safety and security and prosperity.”
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