Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in condemning the Government of the People's Republic of China for its harassment and efforts to intimidate American citizens and other individuals on United States soil with the goal of suppressing speech and narratives the People's Republic of China finds unwelcome.
This non-binding House resolution (H. Res. 130) expresses the sense of the House that the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) should be condemned for harassing and intimidating American citizens and other individuals on U.S. soil to suppress speech and narratives the PRC finds unwelcome. It frames these PRC activities as part of a broader pattern of transnational repression that threatens free speech, academic freedom, and open exchange of ideas. While it does not create new laws or authorize action, the resolution calls for stronger enforcement, protections for scholars and think tanks, and greater diplomatic and international collaboration to counter these tactics. The bill cites examples of PRC pressure on scholars, such as media attacks, visa and conference access pressure, and interference by diplomats or surrogate actors, and it aligns these actions with U.S. commitments to free expression and academic freedom. In short, the measure seeks to bolster the U.S. stance against overseas repression of speech, encourage vigilant policing and accountability by authorities, safeguard academic collaboration, and use diplomacy and international partnerships to address what it characterizes as a global norm against free expression. It reflects a policy posture rather than a legal framework, aiming to shape debate and policy surrounding U.S.-PRC tensions, academic exchange, and human rights advocacy.
Key Points
- 1Condemns the PRC government for harassment and intimidation aimed at suppressing free speech, assembly, and academic freedom on U.S. soil.
- 2Calls on federal and local law enforcement to be vigilant and act swiftly against attempts to silence dissent or broaden PRC intolerance within the United States.
- 3Urges U.S. academic institutions and think tanks to defend academic freedom and resist foreign pressure that could stifle open research and debate.
- 4Reaffirms the United States’ commitment to protecting individuals’ rights to express themselves without fear of retaliation, both in the U.S. and globally.
- 5Requires the executive branch, particularly the Secretary of State, to raise PRC harassment and intimidation incidents in diplomatic engagements and highlight specific cases.
- 6Advocates international cooperation with allies to counter transnational repression and establish global norms against it.
- 7Encourages U.S. representatives in international organizations to use their voice and votes to condemn transnational suppression of free speech and seek accountability.