Impact Key Legislation

Summary:

The Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2025 expands U.S. sanctions tools to hold Chinese officials, entities, and affiliates accountable for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other groups in Xinjiang. It strengthens enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by requiring detailed reporting on its implementation and the supply chains tied to forced labor. The bill directs U.S. agencies to coordinate sanctions with allies, ensure no U.S. taxpayer funds support entities complicit in abuses, and restrict exports of surveillance technology to China.

Key Provisions:

• Expands Sanctions: Expands Global Magnitsky and other sanctions authorities to target PRC officials and entities responsible for atrocities in Xinjiang.
• Public Reports: Requires annual public reports on enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and updates to the Entity List.
• Contract Ban: Prohibits U.S. government contracts with companies linked to Uyghur forced labor.

Current Status:

The bill was introduced in the House as H.R. 4830 by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and John Moolenaar (R-MI) and in the Senate as S. 2560 by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK)  and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). It has garnered bipartisan support and has been referred to the relevant committees in both chambers for further consideration. However, it has not yet been brought to a vote.

What is Needed Now:

We need increased pressure on congressional leaders to prioritize this bill for a vote in both the House and Senate. Advocacy from human rights organizations, diaspora communities, and international partners is essential to ensure the passage and implementation of this legislation, which will bolster global efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for genocide and severe human rights abuses.

Summary:

Introduced by Rep. Pflugger (R-TX), the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025 (H.R. 2158) establishes a Transnational Repression Working Group within DHS to coordinate with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners in addressing efforts by foreign governments or their proxies to intimidate or harm individuals in the U.S. The bill requires DHS to produce annual unclassified reports to Congress on incidents, individuals affected, foreign government involvement, and federal disruption efforts, while also directing DHS to research and test technologies to strengthen countermeasures. All activities must uphold constitutional rights, civil liberties, and free speech protections, and the authority sunsets after seven years.

Key Provisions:

• Working Group: Establishes a Transnational Repression Working Group within DHS to coordinate with federal, state, and local partners.
• Annual Reports: Requires annual unclassified reports to Congress (for seven years) on incidents, actors involved, and U.S. disruption efforts. 
• Tech Development: Directs DHS to research and test technologies to improve responses against transnational repression.
• Civil Protections: Mandates compliance with constitutional, privacy, and civil liberites protections, with a seven-year sunset clause.

Current Status:

The bill was introduced by Rep. August Pflugger (R-TX) on March 14, 2025. It has been referred to the relevant committee in the House for further consideration. However, it has not yet been brought to a vote.

What is Needed Now:

We need the House to expedite the passage of this bill and increase advocacy from civil society and international partners to ensure the legislation is implemented effectively once passed.

Summary:

Introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Cornyn (R-TX), this bill prohibits the entry into the United States of any current or former foreign government official who is responsible for, complicit in, or has directly engaged in the forced repatriation of Uyghurs or other individuals likely to face persecution in China. It also requires the Secretary of State to refer implicated individuals to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for potential financial sanctions. By linking visa restrictions and sanctions to acts of forced return, the legislation aims to hold accountable those enabling China’s persecution of Uyghurs while ensuring U.S. immigration policy does not provide safe haven for perpetrators.

Key Provisions:

• Visa Restrictions: Bars entry into the U.S. for foreign officials responsible for, complicit in, or directly engaged in the forced return of Uyghurs or other at-risk individuals to China.
• Sanctions Referral: Requires the Secretary of State to refer such officials to the Treasury Department for possible financial sanctions.
• Broader Protection Scope: Extends protections beyond Uyghurs to any individuals likely to face persecution if returned to China.
• Accountability Mechanism: Ensures U.S. immigration and financial policies hold perpetrators accountable and deny them safe haven.

Current Status:

The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 29, 2025, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. It remains in that committee, awaiting further actions.  

What is Needed Now:

Broad engagement from human rights organizations, diaspora communities, and legal experts is needed to highlight the urgency of protecting Uyghurs from forced repatriation. Building bipartisan backing in Congress will be essential to move the bill out of committee and toward a floor vote.

Summary:

The bill directs the President to review all existing sanctions imposed under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 to determine whether additional Chinese officials or entities should be sanctioned for involvement in gross human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities. It requires the submission of a report to Congress within 180 days identifying individuals and entities that meet the criteria for sanctions and outlining any new designations. The legislation strengthens congressional oversight of U.S. sanctions policy toward China by mandating regular updates and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of atrocities in the Uyghur region.

Key Provisions:

• Mandatory Review: Requires the President to review all sanctions imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act and the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 related to abuses against Uyghurs.
• Reporting to Congress: Directs the President to submit a report within 180 days identifying additional Chinese officials or entities that meet the criteria for sanctions.
• Ongoing Oversight: Ensures regular congressional updates to strengthen accountability and maintain pressure on perpetrators of atrocities in the Uyghur region.”

Current Status:

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, and promptly referred to both the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees for review and consideration. It remains in committee as of now, awaiting further action such as hearings or mark-ups before it can advance to the House floor.

What is Needed Now:

Advocates should press the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees to prioritize hearings and mark-ups that will move the bill forward. A strong coalition of human rights groups, policy experts, and congressional allies can maintain pressure on lawmakers and build momentum for a House floor vote.

Summary:

Introduced in the House by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and in the Senate by Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), the Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 reaffirms the U.S. commitment to protecting the rights, culture, and identity of Uyghurs and other persecuted minorities in Xinjiang. It condemns the Chinese government’s mass detentions, transnational repression, and human rights abuses, while urging international accountability. The bill directs the U.S. government to enhance coordination on Uyghur issues, strengthen diplomatic engagement, support advocacy in Muslim-majority countries, and push for UN action. It also calls for greater Uyghur language capacity within the U.S. Foreign Service and monitoring of repression against Uyghurs abroad.

Key Provisions:

• Diplomatic Coordination: Directs the State Department to coordinate international efforts, support Uyghur rights advocates, and report annually on U.S. actions against transnational repression.
• Advocacy Funding: Provides $250,000 annually (FY2025–2027) for Uyghur advocates to conduct public diplomacy in Muslim-majority countries.
• Language Training: Requires Uyghur language training and at least one Uyghur-speaking officer at each U.S. diplomatic post in China.

Current Status:

H.R. 2635 was introduced in the House on April 3, 2025, by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, and subsequently passed the House under suspension of the rules by voice vote on September 2, 2025. On September 3, 2025, it was received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for further consideration.

What is Needed Now:

The focus now shifts to the Senate, where the Foreign Relations Committee must take up the bill for hearings and mark-up. Advocacy from human rights groups, diaspora leaders, and congressional champions will be key to ensuring swift committee action and building momentum for a full Senate vote.

Uyghur Congressional Caucus

The Uyghur Congressional Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), is a bipartisan group in the U.S. Congress committed to advocating for the rights and freedom of Uyghurs facing genocide and persecution by the Chinese government. The Caucus plays a pivotal role in supporting legislative action, raising awareness on Capitol Hill, and ensuring that Uyghur voices are heard.

Call to Action:

Encourage your congressional representative to join the Caucus and help strengthen the fight for Uyghur human rights! Contact them today and urge their support!