Today at 10 a.m., House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) will convene a hearing to examine the troubling increase of human rights violations around the globe. The hearing is entitled “Human Rights Under Siege Worldwide.” Below is Chairman Royce’s opening statement (as prepared for delivery):

“I commend the Philippines, a longtime friend and partner of the United States, for working to resolve this conflict peacefully. Beijing’s refusal to participate in these proceedings is particularly disappointing since they have participated and benefited from other international rulings at the World Trade Organization."

“Attacks on America’s diplomats cannot be tolerated, period. Expelling Russian officials is an appropriate first step. But the administration must bolster efforts on a number of fronts – including international broadcasting – to confront Vladimir Putin’s continued aggression.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) announced the following upcoming Committee events: Tuesday, July 12 Hearing: Human Rights Under Siege Worldwide 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman Invited Witnesses Include: The Honorable Mark P. Lagon […]

"The deployment of the THAAD defensive missile system will help protect against Kim Jong Un’s illicit weapons programs. Along with new sanctions mandated by my North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016, this action demonstrates the strong resolve of the U.S. and South Korea to promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights.”

“The United States is losing the information war to terrorists like ISIS and Hezbollah. Earlier this year, the administration rebranded the office responsible for counter messaging, but little seems to have changed. A strong, effective information offensive to counter the violent ideology being pushed by ISIS and other terrorists is long overdue. This hearing will give members an opportunity to press the administration’s top public diplomacy official on how the U.S. can be more effective.”

“Human rights violations are on the rise around the world. In Iran, the courts carry out public amputations and floggings. In Putin’s Russia, journalists are jailed for exposing government corruption and reporting the facts. In failed states like Syria, we’ve seen abhorrent treatment of civilians, including genocide. We’ve even seen backsliding in respect for human rights among established democracies. These are disturbing trends, and this hearing will seek answers on how the U.S. should respond.”

We have been awaiting answers to the Committee’s inquiry. But while I’ve been patient, the President has been in a rush – seemingly willing to release Guantanamo terrorists to wherever he can.

“As the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Tehran has a long and brutal record of abusing human rights – and targeting Americans. Siamak and Baquer Namazi deserve to be free and with their families, end of story. I am pleased to join Rep. Connolly in introducing this resolution, which should push President Obama to step up efforts to bring them home immediately.”

Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Global Food Security Act (S. 1252). Without increasing spending, this bipartisan legislation ensures that current disaster relief funding will be spent more efficiently and transparently. The bill, which is critical to U.S. efforts to respond to desperate humanitarian situations in the Middle East and Africa, now heads to President Obama’s desk.