Twenty-one organizations write to Congress in strong support of the request made by the Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for $230,000 in the FY 2018 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act to fund bipartisan staffing of the Commission.
June 21, 2017
Honorable Kevin Yoder
Chairman
Legislative Branch Subcommittee
Committee on Appropriations
United States Congress
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Tim Ryan
Ranking Member
Legislative Branch Subcommittee
Committee on Appropriations
United States Congress
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Yoder and Ranking Member Ryan,
We write in strong support of the request made by the Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for $230,000 in the FY 2018 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act to fund bipartisan staffing of the Commission.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission complements the traditional work of Congressional committees by holding hearings and briefings on issues that transcend the jurisdiction and interests of multiple committees – including Appropriations, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Government Oversight, and Judiciary – and covering topics that the committees do not have time to cover. Foreign governments pay close attention to the Commission’s hearings and briefings, which also serve as an important platform for civil society to share with Congress its concerns and expertise. The Commission also helps focus the efforts of its more than 60 bipartisan members in support of fundamental freedoms and the most basic rights of life, liberty, and freedom from torture or government-led repression around the world.
During the 114th Congress, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held 22 hearings and more than 40 briefings on topics ranging from religious freedom to concrete steps that can be taken to protect civilians in Syria. Due to a lack of dedicated funding for professional staff, the Commission has done this work and served its bipartisan members through a patchwork of temporary fellows and volunteers. A modest commitment of funds – $230,000 in FY 2018 – would allow each Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission to hire dedicated full time personnel, thus greatly increasing the Commission’s effectiveness, reinforcing its expertise, and amplifying Congress’ important voice on human rights and foreign policy.
Since the early 1970s, Congress has led the U.S. Government to support fundamental human freedoms as a core part of its foreign policy. The need for Congressional support of fundamental freedoms around the world has never been greater: from Azerbaijan and Venezuela, to Congo and Yemen, rights and freedoms are being restricted for millions of people, directly impacting important U.S. foreign policy objectives and decisions.
This investment will pay off in lives saved and freedom restored. We respectfully request your support.
Sincerely,
Randel Everett
President
21st Century Wilberforce Initiative
Jordan Sekulow
Executive Director
American Center for Law and Justice
Robert Bank
President and CEO
American Jewish World Service
Margaret Huang
Executive Director
Amnesty International USA
Anthony Vance
Director of Public Affairs
Bahá’ís of the United States
Curt Goering
Executive Director
Center for Victims of Torture
Mervyn Thomas
CEO
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Courtney Radsch
Advocacy Director
Committee to Protect Journalists
Michael J. Abramowitz
President
Freedom House
Maran Turner
Executive Director
Freedom Now
Diane Randall
Executive Secretary
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Corinna Gilfillan
Head of US Office
Global Witness
Sarah Margon
Washington Director
Human Rights Watch
Samuel A. Worthington
Chief Executive Officer
InterAction
Jeff King
President
International Christian Concern
Holly Burkhalter
Senior Advisor
International Justice Mission
Susan Freudenheim
Executive Director
Jewish World Watch
Paul O’Brien
Vice President for Policy and Advocacy
Oxfam America
Rev. Ron Stief
Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Donna McKay
Executive Director
Physicians for Human Rights
Christophe Deloire
Secretary General
Reporters Without Borders
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