Congressman Bill Young, Member of House Human Rights Caucus: "China should release all prisoners of conscience."

(Clearwisdom.net)

C.W. Bill Young Chairman, Committee On Appropriations

10th District, Florida

Congress of United States

House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515-0910

January 30,2003

2407 Rayburn Building

Washington,DC20515-0910

?

District Offices:

Suite 1480

360 Central Avenue

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Suite 606 -

801 West Bay Drive

Largo,FL 33770

Dear :

Thank you for letting me know of your support for Falun Gong practitioners, as well as your support for any measure that recognizes their fundamental rights in society.

As a member of the House Human Rights Caucus, which deliberates on a variety of issues pertaining to religious freedom and human rights abuses around the globe, you can be sure that I share your interest in this important matter and appreciate knowing your thoughts. Like you, I believe that China must immediately release all political prisoners and other prisoners of conscience. As you may know, the State Department continues to work on the release of such prisoners both on a case by case basis and also by way of an ongoing diplomatic dialogue.

As you know, there were several measures introduced during the 107th Congress concerning Falun Gong and their followers. H. Con. Res. 188, which expressed the sense of Congress that the Government of the People's Republic of China should cease its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, was unanimously approved by my colleagues and I in the House. Another similar resolution, H. Con. Res. 447, was introduced in the House that would have expressed the sense of the Congress regarding the Chinese Government's oppression of Falun Gong in the United States and in the People's Republic of China. Unfortunately, this measure was never brought before the full House for a vote.

These are clear examples of the growing concerns in Congress for the practitioners of Falun Gong. As we continue our work during this First Session of the 108th Congress, please know of my steadfast support for legislation that recognizes religious freedom throughout the world and that I will follow up with you on any new developments that occur.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. It is my hope that you will continue to keep me apprised of your interest in legislative issues important to you. With best wishes and personal regards, I am

Very truly yours,

C.W. Young

Member of Congress