United States House of Representatives

September 13, 2002

(name and address withheld to avoid harassment from Chinese Embassy)

Dear Mr. (name withheld):

Thank you for contacting me about China and it's crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners. I appreciate hearing your views on this issue.

I share your concern about the recent treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The Chinese government has an unfortunate history of detaining and incarcerating Falun Gong practitioners, denying them access to legitimate legal processes.

China's actions add another disturbing incident to the long list of its human rights abuses. Such human rights violations factored into my decision, after careful consideration, to vote against granting China most favored nation (MFN) trading status. China has gladly profited from MFN while continually flaunting international agreements and standards of conduct. China's trade with the United States gives us leverage that we must use to further American interests- interests affecting trade, foreign policy, and human rights.

I am proud to report that Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen introduced H.Con.Res 188 on July 17, 2001, expressing the U.S. government's displeasure with the Chinese government's actions. I supported the bill when it unanimously passed the House on July 25, 2002.

In the future, I hope that the U.S. and China may enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship. But given the breadth and seriousness of China's recent transgressions, I expect the United States will have to continue its efforts to influence China's gradual steps toward reform for many more years.

Thank you again for contacting me. I appreciate your concern about Falun Gong and ask that you keep me informed on matters to you in the future.

Sincerely,

Rosa L. DeLauro
3rd District, Connecticut