Ted Budd (R-NC)
Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in the People’s Republic of China Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in the People's Republic of China Act. It addresses the policy of the United States regarding international religious freedom in the People's Republic of China. The text notes that the People's Republic of China has been designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom since 1999. It sets a policy to hold officials of the People's Republic of China responsible for religious freedom abuses by determining if they committed gross violations of human rights for sanctions. Additionally, the bill outlines Department of State programming and expresses the sense of Congress regarding the promotion of international religious freedom. Finally, it requires an annual briefing to specific congressional committees.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?
The bill actively seeks to promote and protect international religious freedom against persecution in China.
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill directs strengthening diplomacy regarding religious freedom and political prisoners.
- Scored +5
Would Asian Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically protects ethnic and religious minority groups such as Uyghur Muslims and Tibetans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(a): This section holds officials of the People's Republic of China responsible for abuses like arbitrary detention, torture, and forced labor by checking if they committed gross violations of human rights for potential sanctions. This is positive because it aims to hold wrongdoers accountable for harming minority groups like Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, Uyghur Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners.
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Section 3(b): This section directs Department of State bureaus and programs to promote international religious freedom and monitor transnational repression. This is positive because it actively supports efforts to protect minority groups from ongoing persecution.
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Section 4: This section details the sense of Congress to strengthen diplomacy, raise the cases of political prisoners with high-level officials, and call for the unconditional release of unjustly detained individuals. This is positive because it pushes foreign leaders to treat detainees humanely, allow them to practice their faith, and free those who are imprisoned for their beliefs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline potential negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill directs strengthening diplomacy regarding religious freedom and political prisoners. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages engagement with international partners to combat human rights abuses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion? — The bill actively seeks to promote and protect international religious freedom against persecution in China.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically protects ethnic and religious minority groups such as Uyghur Muslims and Tibetans.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual briefings to congressional committees regarding sanctions and diplomatic efforts.
- 9/23/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/15/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/7/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Ashley MoodyRepublican · Florida
Todd YoungRepublican · Indiana