Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) and Andy Barr (R-KY-06)  introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) growing efforts to harass, intimidate and suppress free speech on American soil. 

The resolution highlights the PRC’s intimidation tactics targeting U.S. citizens, scholars and activists—threatening both academic freedom and First Amendment rights. It calls on U.S. law enforcement agencies to take swift action against foreign-led coercion, urges academic institutions to resist pressure from foreign entities and advocates for diplomatic measures to address PRC harassment at the international level.

“The United States must send a clear message: harassment and intimidation of American citizens by foreign governments will not be tolerated,” said Representative Ami Bera. “The PRC’s continued attempts to silence voices within our borders is a direct affront to our democratic values and the rule of law. No foreign power should be able to reach across borders to stifle speech, suppress research or intimidate individuals for expressing their views. We must stand firm against these efforts and hold those responsible to account.”

“The Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to harass and intimidate Americans on our own soil are a direct assault on our sovereignty and fundamental freedoms,” said Rep. Andy Barr. “The United States cannot and will not tolerate Beijing’s efforts to silence dissent and suppress free speech. That’s why I’m co-leading this resolution with Rep. Ami Bera to send a clear, bipartisan message: the CCP’s authoritarian tactics have no place in America, and we will hold them accountable.”

The resolution outlines documented instances of PRC intimidation, including:

• Targeting U.S. scholars whose research the PRC deems unfavorable, through state-sponsored personal attacks, revoked conference invitations and diplomatic pressure on their academic institutions.
• Visa restrictions against American academics that limit research and free exchange. 
• Harassment of activists abroad, including U.S.-based Hong Kong democracy advocates placed on PRC wanted lists, with bounties offered for their capture.
• PRC consular involvement in organizing counter-protests in the U.S., reportedly paying for lodging and meals of pro-PRC demonstrators and hiring private security to suppress dissent.
• Physical intimidation, including documented cases of PRC supporters and consular officials engaging in confrontations with Tibetan and democracy activists during PRC leader Xi Jinping’s 2023 visit to the U.S.

You can read the full text of the resolution here.