U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Jeff Merkley introduced the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act on Mar. 11, aiming to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for organ harvesting in China and requiring the Secretary of State to report to Congress on related Chinese Communist Party (CCP) policies.
The legislation addresses ongoing concerns about human rights abuses in China, particularly reports of forced organ harvesting from vulnerable groups. The bill seeks to hold accountable those involved in these practices and increase oversight of China’s transplant system.
Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party operates a brutal, state-sponsored organ harvesting industry that targets people for their faith. The CCP has in particular targeted Falun Gong practitioners, committing assaults on religious liberty and fundamental human rights. The United States should hold accountable those who have committed these atrocities, I’m grateful to Senator Merkley for joining me in introducing this critical bipartisan legislation and urge our colleagues to expeditiously advance it.”
Merkley said, “China’s campaign of repression and human rights abuses continue to have horrific consequences, including reports of forced organ harvesting from vulnerable groups across the PRC. We must stand up for the victims of these crimes, and our bipartisan effort holds the Chinese government accountable for its abuses.”
Falun Gong is a movement founded by Li Hongzhi in China during the early 1990s that grew rapidly throughout that decade. In 1999, the CCP outlawed Falun Gong activity, leading to mass arrests, torture, detentions in labor camps, and allegations of forced organ harvesting from practitioners. These organs are reportedly used both within China and trafficked overseas.
Cruz previously introduced similar legislation—the Falun Gong Protection Act—in March 2025. In addition to his legislative work, Cruz has a history of electoral victories: he defeated Colin Allred in the 2024 general election with 53.1% of the vote according to official results; he won against Beto O’Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% as reported by election data; and he secured victory over Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5%, according to previous election records.
