Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in the People’s Republic of China Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 7, 2026
Bottom line
This bill codifies and strengthens U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts to combat religious persecution by the Chinese government, particularly through sanctions and international engagement.
What it actually does
This bill establishes U.S. policy to hold officials of the People's Republic of China accountable for severe international religious freedom abuses by determining if their actions constitute gross violations of human rights, potentially triggering sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act. It also directs the Department of State to support programs promoting religious freedom in China and monitoring transnational repression. Furthermore, it expresses a Sense of Congress on strengthening diplomatic efforts and advocating for political prisoners.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill reinforces the U.S. commitment to human rights and religious freedom globally, providing a clear framework for accountability for Chinese officials involved in severe abuses. They believe it will strengthen diplomatic efforts and provide a moral compass for U.S. foreign policy, potentially deterring further persecution and supporting oppressed religious minorities.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such a bill could escalate tensions with China, potentially undermining broader diplomatic or economic engagements. Some might contend that it is largely symbolic without significant new enforcement mechanisms, or that it could provoke retaliatory measures from Beijing without achieving its stated goals.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick and easy comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 3(a)
Sanctions for Religious Freedom Abusers
This provision establishes a U.S. policy to determine if Chinese officials responsible for severe religious freedom abuses (like arbitrary detention, forced sterilization, torture, forced labor, and restrictions on belief for groups like Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, Uyghur Muslims, and Falun Gong) have committed gross violations of human rights. This determination would then trigger potential sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides a clear and robust mechanism for holding individual perpetrators of religious persecution accountable, sending a strong message that such actions will not go unpunished. They believe it leverages existing sanctions authority to directly target those responsible for human rights abuses.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, the practical impact of such sanctions can be limited, and they may provoke further hardening of Beijing's stance rather than a change in behavior. Some may also question the criteria for determination and potential for politicization.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between directly punishing human rights abusers and potentially exacerbating diplomatic relations with China, which could have broader implications for other U.S. interests.
Section 3(b)
Support for State Department Religious Freedom Programs
This section states U.S. policy that relevant bureaus within the Department of State should support efforts to promote international religious freedom in China. It specifically directs State Department programs to promote religious freedom and monitor transnational repression of ethnic and religious minority groups by the Chinese government.
Section 4
Congressional Guidance on Religious Freedom Promotion
This section expresses the Sense of Congress that the U.S. should promote international religious freedom in China through several diplomatic actions. These include strengthening diplomacy with international partners, engaging in multilateral diplomacy, raising cases of political prisoners, calling for an end to harassment and release of detainees, encouraging global faith community solidarity, and strengthening programs for documenting abuses and supporting human rights defenders.
Section 5
Annual Briefing on Religious Freedom Efforts
This section mandates that the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom provide an annual briefing to specified congressional committees (Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs). The briefing must cover sanctions imposed under Section 3(a), efforts to strengthen religious freedom diplomacy, and plans to raise cases of political prisoners with high-level Chinese officials.