H.R. 1540: Falun Gong Protection Act

This bill, known as the Falun Gong Protection Act, aims to address concerns regarding forced organ harvesting in the People's Republic of China (PRC), especially involving practitioners of Falun Gong. It outlines several key measures:

Policy Statements

• The U.S. government should not cooperate with the PRC in the field of organ transplantation while the current Chinese leadership is in power.
• The U.S. will take appropriate actions, including sanctions, to press the Chinese government to end any state-sponsored organ harvesting.
• Collaboration with allied nations and international bodies will be encouraged to highlight and respond to China's treatment of Falun Gong and related groups.

Imposition of Sanctions

The President is required to impose sanctions against foreign individuals involved in forced organ harvesting as identified in a specified list:

• Creation of a List: Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the President must submit a list of foreign individuals linked to organ harvesting in China. This list will be updated based on new information and included annually.
• Sanctions: The sanctions include:
  • Blocking of property related to those on the list in the U.S.
  • Ineligibility for U.S. visas, admission, or parole for individuals on the list.
  • Revocation of existing U.S. visas for individuals listed.
• Exceptions: Sanctions do not apply in cases where admitting a foreign individual is necessary for international obligations, such as those related to the United Nations.

Penalties

Violators of the sanctions will face penalties similar to those under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which includes various enforcement actions against non-compliance.

Exceptions to Sanctions

• Humanitarian efforts, such as the sale of food, medicine, and necessary supplies, are exempt from sanctions.
• Reports must be submitted periodically detailing any waivers applied under national security interests.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, must present a report one year post-enactment, which should cover:

• Organ transplantation practices in the PRC, especially regarding prisoners of conscience.
• The estimated frequency of organ transplants and the status of voluntary organ donors in China.
• Assessments regarding the speed of organ procurement in China.
• A review of U.S. grants that have funded organ transplantation research in China over the past decade.
• An evaluation of whether the treatment of Falun Gong in China constitutes an atrocity.

Duration of Sanctions

The authority to impose these sanctions will expire five years after the enactment of the bill unless renewed or revoked earlier.

Importation of Goods

The bill clarifies that it does not grant power to impose sanctions on the importation of goods to the U.S. from China.

Definitions

Key definitions within the bill specify what constitutes appropriate congressional committees and clarifies the term "goods" for the context of the legislation.

Relevant Companies

None found.