Columbia News

Congressman Mark Alford of Missouri’s 4th District has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) treatment of religious minorities. The bill, titled the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, was filed on the anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day and seeks to impose sanctions on CCP officials involved in violations of religious freedom.

Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. The proposed legislation targets those responsible for abuses such as arbitrary imprisonment, forced labor, and other restrictions against groups including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, and other minorities.

“The Chinese Communist Party has perpetrated heinous abuses against religious groups for decades. It’s time the United States to stand up for religious freedom in China as we have in other parts of the world. I’m proud to co-lead the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act with Senator Budd and our colleagues to take a stand, stop these abuses, and promote global religious freedom,” said Congressman Alford.

“China’s disdain for religious freedom is not new. It is an ongoing and brutal pattern of abuse that must be met with steadfast American strength. As the leader of the free world, the United States must promote religious freedom around the world and hold China’s authoritarian regime responsible for decades of persecution targeting Christians and other religious minorities. The CCP’s restrictions on freedom of religion and cruelty toward religious minorities in China must come to an end,” said Senator Budd.

The House version was co-sponsored by Representatives Greg Steube (F-17), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), and Michael McCaul (TX-10). In the Senate, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined as co-sponsors.

The act would also strengthen efforts within Department of State programs to address persecution issues through its Bureau of East and Pacific Affairs. Additionally, it expresses Congress’ view that China should continue to be listed as a Country of Particular Concern regarding religious freedom violations.

Mark Alford has represented Missouri's 4th District since 2023 after succeeding Vicky Hartzler. He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently resides in Lake Winnebago. Alford graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA degree in 1988.