Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Nathaniel Moran’s (R-TX-01) No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act. This legislation that would prohibit Department of State contracts with companies tied to forced labor in the Xinjian region of China. Congressman Moran spoke in support of the legislation ahead of its passage in the House.
“Slavery in any form is morally repugnant, and America—known on the international stage as a beacon of freedom and liberty—must not be complicit in the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide and oppression of the Uyghur people,”said Congressman Moran. “The United States must push back on China, not only in our words, but through our actions. Failing to do so enables the CCP to grow in strength and exert its malign influence over the world. It is past time we enforce accountability against our greatest adversary.”
Watch Congressman Moran’s Full Remarks HERE
Congressman Moran’s Full Remarks as Delivered:
“I rise today in strong support of the No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation that would prohibit U.S. State Department contracts with companies tied to forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China.
“Our bill would ensure that U.S. funds are not used to finance projects in partnership with companies or organizations that import products mined or manufactured in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.
“Many basic goods that we consider to be part of our everyday lives as Americans are produced in Xinjiang, including textiles, bricks, cotton, and polysilicon.
“As home to the majority of China’s cotton, coal, and natural gas reserves, and representing one-sixth of China’s land mass, the Xinjiang region is central to China’s economy.
“It is considered to be the ‘core hub’ for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is China’s primary tool to exert economic influence across the globe.
“China’s economy relies in large part on Xinjiang, yet behind its industries lie a horrifying reality—mass detention, forced labor, and brutal oppression of the people who live there.
“The CCP is oppressing the Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities by detaining them in what they call ‘re-education centers’ for forced labor in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.
“Slavery in any form is morally repugnant, and America—known on the international stage as a beacon of freedom and liberty—must not be complicit in the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide and oppression of the Uyghur people.
“The United States must push back on China, not only in our words, but through our actions. Failing to do so enables the CCP to grow in strength and exert its malign influence over the world. It is past time we enforce accountability against our greatest adversary.
“The U.S. must act decisively against the companies that profit from these abuses and take a firm stand against totalitarian regimes.
“The CCP asserts its control over the Uyghur people through threats, intimidation, confinement, and physical and emotional abuse. Failing to confront China empowers gross human rights abuses and allows for the spread of such atrocities to be determined by the CCP.
“Our legislation will ensure that our State Department plays no part in the forced slave labor of the Uyghur people.
“America must continue to lead with strength and morality on the world’s stage and refuse to fund these brutal tactics and cruelty. Passing this critical legislation is the first step, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”
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