Reuters: U.S. House Panel Opposes China's Olympic Bid

According to Reuters (March 28, 2001), "A congressional committee Wednesday approved a resolution urging Olympics organizers to reject China's bid to host the Games in 2008, citing concerns about Beijing's human rights record. Backed by the House International Relations Committee in a 27-8 vote, the non-binding resolution calls for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to deny Beijing's request for the Games to protest alleged rights violations including the crackdown on the spiritual group Falun Gong."

"Rep. Tom Lantos of California, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said the vote reflected 'a clear consensus for upholding the Olympic ideal and promoting human rights in China.'"

The paper said, "The resolution would have no legal force, but its sponsors hope it will put pressure on the IOC and China."

"The resolution now advances to the full House of Representatives. The Senate has yet to take up the measure."

The paper also mentioned "China has come under increased criticism for human rights abuses as it bids to host the 2008 summer Olympics."

The paper concluded "U.S. lawmakers introduced a similar resolution in 1993 opposing China's 2000 Olympics bid. It passed in the House with bipartisan support. The IOC selected Sydney over Beijing to host the 2000 Games."