May 21, 2014
What does it take to get this administration to focus on China, Vietnam, like I said, which is bad and getting worse?
Chris Smith
The Public Record
Chris Smith is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 4th congressional district since 1981. Throughout his tenure, he has focused on a range of issues including human rights, foreign affairs, and health care. Smith has been involved in various legislative efforts aimed at improving health services and advocating for the rights of individuals both domestically and internationally. His long-standing service in Congress has made him a prominent figure in New Jersey politics.
congress.gov
May 21, 2014
But on religious freedom, whether it be the Falun Gong, the underground Christian Church, the Catholic or Protestants, the Uyghurs, and of course the Tibetan Buddhists, there is a wholesale effort to eradicate the church.
May 21, 2014
Unfortunately it appears that China, Vietnam, and North Korea are in a race to the bottom when it comes to religious persecution.
May 21, 2014
House Resolution 109, now pending in the House with 113 co-sponsors, yourself among them, sir, condemns this persecution.
May 21, 2014
The U.S. Congress has also consistently condemned the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran.
May 21, 2014
The persecution of the Baha'is around the world now is an atrocity of the very first rank.
May 21, 2014
There needs to be serious pushback by the entire international community when those kinds of laws are used.
May 21, 2014
If we follow that pathway of worship as opposed to the free exercise of our religious liberties we are in very grave trouble.
May 21, 2014
We would like more hearings, Chairman Smith. The more often you can bring these matters to the attention of your colleagues and the public through hearings the better.
May 21, 2014
The designations were permitted to fall off track during the Bush administration, if I can just be very candid with everybody.
May 21, 2014
We have proposed some specific revisions to the statute that we think will enhance the quality of the tools that are currently available to advance the cause of religious freedom.
May 21, 2014
If we renew our resolve, Chairman Smith, to integrate this fundamental freedom more fully into the foreign policy of our nation, I know we can bring genuine progress.
May 21, 2014
We would like all Members of Congress to participate in the Defending Freedoms Project, a collaborative effort between the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, USCIRF, and another partner.
May 21, 2014
We are grateful for today's hearing, Congressman Smith, and urge that Congress support legislation that promotes freedom of religion and belief.
May 21, 2014
This is not a partisan question. And we, alas, find fault in administrations of both parties in failing fully to utilize the CPC mechanism.
May 21, 2014
We have repeatedly recommended Pakistan, concluding this year in our report that Pakistan represents the world's worst religious freedom environment for a country not currently designated as a CPC.
May 21, 2014
We need our citizens to pay attention to what is happening abroad so that our foreign policy can be formed in line with giving a high priority to religious freedom.
May 21, 2014
The making of these designations on a regular, indeed, annual basis, is critical.
May 21, 2014
We are urging the designation of these nations as CPCs precisely because upon rigorous examination they are guilty of systematic, ongoing, and egregious abuses.
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