South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, has shown his support for bills aimed at bolstering assistance for Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. These groups have been subjected to religious and human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Speaking about his decision to vote in favor of these bills, Rep. Webster stated, "For years, I have voiced concern with the CCP's actions on their religious persecution of Uyghurs in Northwestern China. The violation of religious freedoms and human rights is an international scourge that afflicts untold millions of people each year. These bills help ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not being used to fund these atrocities and will help increase awareness for Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities."

One of the bills supported by Rep. Webster is H.R. 4039, also known as the No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act. This bill aims to prevent the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from using taxpayer dollars to fund partnerships with entities that utilize goods produced through forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

The second bill, H.R. 2766, titled the Uyghur Policy Act of 2023, seeks to enhance the coordination of U.S. efforts in countering China's oppression of Uyghurs and ethnic minorities. It directs the State Department to create a comprehensive strategy that will raise international awareness regarding the persecution faced by the Uyghur community.

These bills are crucial in addressing the ongoing human rights crisis in Xinjiang. By prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to support entities involved in forced labor and by raising awareness on the persecution of Uyghurs, the United States is taking a stand against these atrocities.

The plight of the Uyghur community has gained international attention, with numerous reports of mass detentions, forced labor, and religious suppression. The international community is increasingly recognizing the need to address these issues and hold China accountable for its actions.

Rep. Webster's support for these bills demonstrates his commitment to advocating for the rights of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. By voting in favor of these measures, he is sending a strong message that the United States stands with those who are facing religious persecution and human rights violations.

As the bills move forward, it is hoped that they will receive widespread support and ultimately contribute to the protection and support of the Uyghur community and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.