Human Rights
"To prisoners of conscience throughout the world, take heart; you have not been forgotten. We, your brothers and sisters in God, have made your cause our cause, and we vow never to relent until you have regained the freedom that is your birthright as a child of God." – President Ronald Reagan
Defending human rights, thereby giving a voice to the voiceless, has long been a priority during my service in the U.S. House of Representatives.In order for America to truly be the “shining city on a hill” envisioned by our founders, we must continually affirm that we stand for the defenseless, champion liberty and confront injustice the world over.
I am co-chairman of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. This position gives me a greater capacity to monitor human rights abuses and religious persecution throughout the world. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to draw attention to egregious violations of human rights worldwide.
Defending Freedoms Project
Gao Zhisheng
The Defending Freedoms project is an initiative spearheaded by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The aim of the initiative is to increase attention and support for human rights and religious freedom through a focus on prisoners of conscience around the world. Specifically, Members of Congress “adopt” prisoners of conscience, standing in solidarity with these brave men and women, while committing to advocate publicly for their release.
I have chosen to advocate for Gao Zhisheng, an imprisoned Chinese dissident, rights lawyer and devout Christian.
Click here to read my Congressional Record Statement highlighting Gao’s plight.
Click here to read the letter I wrote to him.
Click here for my letter urging Secretary Kerry to raise his case.
Click here for my letter calling for Secretary Kerry to meet with Gao Zhisheng's wife.
Click here for a January 16 Lantos Commission hearing highlighting the project. Members of Congress heard moving testimony from several family members of prisoners of conscience, including Gao’s wife.
In the News
- After Three Years, Who is Standing #WithSyria (Persecution.org)
2013 Trip to Lebanon and Egypt
In February 2013 I travelled to Lebanon and Egypt where I met with State Department officials, civil society actors, including prominent religious leaders and humanitarian air organizations, and Syrian refugees.
CLICK HERE FOR TRIP REPORT.
Click on a country below for trip reports and more information:
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