(Clearwisdom.net)

March 4, 2004

Dear Ms. (name omitted):

I would like to take this opportunity and thank you for your warm letter of encouragement. Your tireless and resilient battle against a tyrannical regime is both humbling and honorable.

As you may know, I have recently introduce legislation in the U.S. Congress that calls for the Government of the People's Republic of China to stop interfering in the exercise of religious and political freedoms within the United States, such as the right to practice Falun Gong, to release prisoners of conscience, end the harassment, detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of individuals who are exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of religion, of expression, and of association as stated in the PRC Constitution and to demonstrate its willingness to abide by international standards of such freedoms by ceasing to restrict them.

In addition to the aforementioned legislation, H. Con. Res. 304, I have been an ardent supporter of the freedom of expression of all groups and organizations throughout the world.

As you so vividly discuss in your correspondence, organizations throughout the world must understand that forced labor is not acceptable in any nation. The intricate and important balance between corporate responsibility and regulations must be addresses by members of our society.

I would like to thank you once again for your words of encouragement and assure you that I will keep your views in mind should similar issues come before me in Congress in the future.

Sincerely,

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Member of Congress