Article provided by Senator Young's office.
Monday, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced legislation to combat ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in China. The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, filed on the 27th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day, would implement strict sanctions on any Chinese official who is responsible for or directly carries out violations of religious freedom.
“China’s systematic persecution of religious leaders who peacefully practice their faith is horrific and shameful. We must continue to strongly condemn this action by the Chinese Communist Party and hold accountable those who perpetuate this reprehensible behavior,” said Senator Young.
“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.
Background:
The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act would:
- Impose sanctions on Chinese 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.
In addition to Senators Young and Budd, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) co-sponsored the legislation.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-4).
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags to half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Stay safe; always assume you are on ‘thin ice’
100% of Keystone Cooperative member profits returned to farmer-members
More than $320,000 in energy bill assistance available for Duke Energy Indiana customers
Niles Scream Park raises more than $153,300 for local groups
Indiana Senate accepting applications for 2026 Page Program
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance surpasses 2024 volunteer impact, continues Giving Tuesday initiative
Governor Braun announces "Family First Workplace” policy to support working families
Two nabbed for drugs in Parke County
USPS asks public to clear snow and ice to help deliveries
Winter Weather Advisory calls for more snow chances
Special Olympics Indiana now serves 20,000 athletes statewide
Winter Storm Watch for most of central Indiana, heavy snow possible
Dana Festival of Lights right around the corner
Governor Braun celebrates "Small Business Saturday" in Indiana
New Coach Curt Cignetti Indiana Hoosiers bobblehead unveiled with proceeds going to Riley Children’s Hospital
IDOH offers food preparation tips for a safe Thanksgiving
O'Heir reflects back on time as Vermillion County EMA Director
