FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., June 24, 2026 — The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice and the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC) welcome the successful advancement of S.4009, the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act, through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recognizing the committee's action as a major step forward in efforts to combat forced organ harvesting and hold perpetrators accountable.
Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the bipartisan legislation reflects growing concern across party lines regarding credible evidence of forced organ harvesting and transplant abuse in China.
The legislation seeks to address longstanding allegations of state-sponsored forced organ harvesting in the People's Republic of China, particularly targeting prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, and other persecuted groups. The bill would require the U.S. government to identify and sanction individuals involved in forced organ harvesting and organ trafficking, including through visa restrictions and asset-blocking measures. In addition, S.4009 directs the U.S. government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of China's organ transplantation system, and requires regular reporting to Congress.
The committee's action marks a significant milestone in congressional efforts to confront one of the most disturbing human rights abuses of our time.
“The committee vote demonstrates growing bipartisan resolve to confront forced organ harvesting, one of the most heinous human rights abuses of our time, and to stand with its victims,” said Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. “The advancement of S.4009 also reflects growing recognition that these abuses demand a robust international response. We commend the bipartisan leadership behind this legislation and urge the full Senate to act swiftly to move it forward.”
“Forced organ harvesting represents a profound assault on human dignity and freedom of conscience,” said Dr. Eric Patterson, President and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. “This legislation is an important step toward ensuring accountability for those responsible and preventing the continued persecution of vulnerable communities by the Chinese Communist Party. Democracies around the world should take note and pursue similar measures to combat transplant abuse and protect fundamental human rights.”
“The strengthened assessment and reporting requirements in S.4009 show a serious commitment to examining the evidence and developing an effective response,” said Susie Hughes, Executive Director of the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC). “The China Tribunal recommended that governments make a formal assessment of the evidence of forced organ harvesting in China. We are now one step closer to that happening.”
The committee's action comes amid increasing international concern regarding forced organ harvesting and follows years of advocacy by survivors, legal experts, medical professionals, and civil society organizations seeking stronger measures to address evidence that prisoners of conscience have been killed for their organs on an industrial scale.
Lawmakers are urged to continue advancing this critical legislation and reaffirm the United States' commitment to defending human dignity, religious freedom, and the rule of law.
The committee-approved text of S.4009 is available from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/de7611cb-ee2e-13e6-805f-4cd0d6deb584/S.4009_3a702aae-4b4c-4cb2-a9c4-54c7bf34330b.pdf
Media Contacts
Susie Hughes, International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China
Chelsea Hedquist, Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice