(Minghui.org) On July 18, 2013, members of US Congress and representatives of faith and human rights organizations gathered on the west lawn of the Capitol and spoke out to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

In addition, several U.S. senators and representatives sent letters of support to the rally. Senator Tom Coburn, MD (R-OK), wrote that the Chinese regime’s stance against the “peaceful practice of Falun Gong practitioners” violates basic human rights. “The oppression of peaceful followers of Falun Gong is a clear indication that human rights abuses are omnipresent throughout China,” he stated in the letter.

On June 27, Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Robert Andrews (D-N.J.) introduced House Resolution 281, which calls upon the People’s Republic of China to end organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, most of whom are Falun Gong practitioners.

Rep. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.) expressed his hope in a letter read at the rally that this bipartisan resolution would expose the atrocities taking place in China and garner international pressure to end them.

Other letters of support came from US Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Pat Toomey (R-PA.), as well as House Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rush Holt (D-N.J.), Randy Neuegebauer (R-TX), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Reid Ribble (R-WI.) Doug LaMalfa (R-CA.), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).

Excerpts from some of the letters are presented below:

US Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)

“Falun Gong practitioners have peacefully demonstrated their customs are intended to further health and wellness through spiritual meditative techniques. Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters have assured the Chinese government that these practices are unrelated to communist ideology and that Falun Gong practitioners have no desire to challenge the authority of the Chinese government. Despite this affirmation, for the past 14 years, the Chinese government has persecuted, murdered, and tortured, thousands of Falun Gong followers only on the grounds of suspicion and apprehension. These reasons are never enough to justify cruelty against a country’s own citizens.”

US Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI)

“Once again, I join you in calling for an end to the persecution of the Falun Gong in China and support your fight for a free and peaceful future. I also join you in celebrating the Chinese citizens who are taking a principled stand by rejecting the violence and inequity of Communist Party rule.”

US Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)

“Like you, I am concerned about reports of Falun Gong practitioners in China who have been denied their freedom of belief and expression. As a strong supporter of human rights, I continue to strongly believe the United States has an obligation to speak out against human rights abuses by the Chinese government in general and the oppression of Falun Gong practitioners in particular.”

US Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)

“It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to Washington and to the Capitol as you gather in support of Falun Gong and those who face persecution for their ties to this peaceful movement. This cause is important.”

US Senator Tom Petri (R-WI)

“Despite the ongoing persecution, I am heartened by the peaceful efforts of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters to expose the persecution and the nature of the Chinese Communist party that have sparked the Tuidang movement, in which Chinese citizens are withdrawing their affiliations with Communist party organizations. I applaud your efforts to point out the use of these oppressive tactics and your call for free exercise of beliefs. I hope the peaceful rally brings attention to the human rights abuses in China and encourages the continuing fight for peace.”

US Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ)

“This month, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and I initiated House Resolution 281, 'expressing concern over persistent and credible reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience, in the People’s Republic of China, including from large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners imprisoned for their religious beliefs, and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups.' It is my sincere hope that this bipartisan legislation brings light to these heinous actions, and adds to the international pressure for the People’s Republic of China to suspend these extra-legal detentions and grave human rights abuses. Today’s rally serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction-14 years of continued religious persecution must stop now.”

US Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

“I sincerely appreciate your invitation to attend today’s rally in Washington D.C. to raise awareness about the persecution of the Falun Gong in China. Although I regret that I am unable to attend, I commend you for your efforts to bring attention to the situation in China.”

US Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ)

“I am also deeply concerned about reports –many of them very credible—that there is a systematic organ harvesting campaign being waged against Falun Gong practitioners. Earlier this year, I joined several of my colleagues on a resolution—H. Res. 281—that condemns this practice and calls on our government to investigate these claims. As I have in the past, I again call on the United States government to thoroughly investigate these claims. If they are valid, then the United States must take forceful action to pressure the Communist Chinese government to end this barbaric practice.”

US Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT)

“Allegations of the abuse against these people are extremely alarming and merit further scrutiny from the international community. For this reason I have signed onto H. Res. 281, which expresses concern over persistent and credible reports of abuse in China of prisoners of conscience, including practitioners of Falun Gong.”

US Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY)

“I am delighted to offer my greetings as you gather today to support human rights and defend the critical freedom of religion and spiritual practice. I deeply appreciate your efforts and commitment to raising awareness of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, and I am proud to add my voice to your call for an end to the violence against those who embrace the practice of Falun Gong.”

US Congressman Reid Ribble (R-WI)

“Please know that the American people stand with you in your quest for freedom from persecution. I look forward to the day when people around the world can live with the same rights and freedoms we have in the United States and people will no longer face persecution for their beliefs.”

US Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)

“As the United States continues to engage with China on a number of issues, it is my sincere hope that we will forcefully advocate for an end to the oppression and persecution of Falun Gong, along with all other group and individuals that are unfairly treated by the Chinese government. Today, I proudly join you and all others who have spoken out in opposition to China’s campaign of aggression against Falun Gong.”