Committee News
February 8, 2010
Due to inclement weather the February 10 hearing on cyberspace policy has been postponed. When it is rescheduled we will announce a new date and time.February 7, 2010
Tehran’s Uranium Enrichment Announcement Underscores Need for U.N. Action on Strong Sanctions, Berman SaysFebruary 5, 2010
Chairman Berman Announces Intention to Mark Up Armenian Genocide Resolution on March 4February 3, 2010
Ugandan Anti-Gay Legislation Threatens Human Rights, Reverses Gains in HIV/AIDS Fight, Berman SaysJanuary 26, 2010
Venezuelan Government’s Media Censorship Damages Venezuela’s Standing and Hurts Its People, Berman SaysJanuary 24, 2010
Remarks to Americans for Peace Now
Committee News
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Statement by Chairman Berman on the House floor in debate on H. Res. 1370, regarding China
Madam Speaker, despite commitments by Beijing to improve human and political rights in the run-up to the 2008 Summer Olympics, the situation has not improved -- and, in some cases has become far worse.
Likewise in the past few months, China’s international behavior with respect to despicable regimes in Sudan and Burma has improved marginally at best. Beijing remains these countries’ strongest supporter.
Because of China’s failure to improve its record on supporting human rights at home and abroad, now is the time to call on China to take immediate, substantial and serious action if there is to be any hope that the Olympic Games will take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic spirit of freedom and openness.
This resolution does just that. It’s a direct call to China by the House of Representatives to end human rights abuses, honor its commitments for freedom of the press and freedom of movement ahead of the Olympics, permit peaceful political activities during the Games, enter into direct discussions with the Dalai Lama over the future of Tibet, and end its political and economic support of the regimes in Sudan and Burma.
President Bush has decided to go to the Olympics opening ceremony. Whether one agrees or disagrees with this decision, it is clear that the President should not pass up this opportunity to make a strong statement in support of human rights, one of our central policy goals.
This resolution calls on the President to make such a statement before and during his trip to Beijing for the Games.
It is important for the House of Representatives to speak with one voice on the issue of human rights and political freedoms in China ahead of the Olympics. I strongly support this resolution.
Additional Coverage
Lynne Weil at (202) 225-5021