Controversial Organ Harvesting Bill Sees Rare Bipartisan Agreement in House Vote

Legislative chamber filled with people during a session

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation targeting forced organ harvesting in China, with Republican Thomas Massie standing alone in opposition over concerns about American interference in foreign affairs.

Quick Takes

  • The Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act passed the House with a decisive 406-1 vote.
  • Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was the sole lawmaker to oppose the bipartisan bill.
  • The legislation would authorize sanctions and visa/passport restrictions for those involved in organ trafficking.
  • The bill specifically targets China’s alleged harvesting of organs from Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and other minorities.
  • This marks the second attempt to pass the bill after a similar version cleared the House in 2023 but stalled in the Senate.

House Takes Strong Stance Against Organ Harvesting

In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, with 406 members supporting the measure and only one opposing it. The bill, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), aims to combat what many U.S. officials describe as systematic organ harvesting by the Chinese Communist Party, targeting religious and ethnic minorities including Falun Gong practitioners and Uyghur Muslims. If enacted, the legislation would authorize significant measures against those involved in such practices globally, though China remains the primary focus.

The legislation gives the U.S. Secretary of State the authority to deny or revoke passports and visas for individuals involved in organ trafficking networks. Additionally, it would implement sanctions against entities and individuals participating in forced organ harvesting. Rep. Smith, who has championed this issue for years, put forward similar legislation last year that passed the House by an overwhelming 413-2 vote but failed to advance in the Senate. The strong support across party lines indicates the serious concern among lawmakers about these alleged human rights violations.

The Lone Dissenter’s Reasoning

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie stood alone in opposition to the bill, maintaining his longstanding position against legislation that he believes interferes with the sovereignty of foreign nations. Massie, known for his libertarian principles and occasional breaks with party consensus, defended his vote as consistent with his political philosophy rather than any support for the practices addressed in the bill. His stance reflects a strict interpretation of national sovereignty and non-interventionist foreign policy that has characterized many of his previous votes in Congress. “It’s just another example of us trying to stick our nose in another country’s business and write their laws, And at the end of the day, they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do, and it’s just sort of a virtue signal over here,” remarked Massie.

Massie’s voting record shows a pattern of opposition to bills dealing with foreign affairs regardless of the specific issue at hand. He has previously opposed legislation related to Russia, Taiwan, and other international matters. This consistency suggests his vote was not about the merits of preventing organ harvesting but rather reflects his fundamental stance on the proper role of the U.S. government in international matters. The Kentucky congressman has also occasionally found himself at odds with both Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump on various policy issues.

The Bill’s Serious Human Rights Focus

Supporters of the legislation emphasize the grave human rights violations that prompted the bill. According to testimonies cited by Rep. Smith, the Chinese government’s organ harvesting practices specifically target religious minorities and political dissidents. The bill represents one of the strongest legislative efforts to address these alleged atrocities and would position the United States as a global leader in combating forced organ harvesting. The legislation also requires regular reporting on these practices to maintain awareness and accountability.

Smith, who has long advocated for human rights causes, expressed urgency in addressing what he described as an ongoing atrocity. The bill aims to disrupt what Smith calls a “big business” for the Chinese Communist Party by cutting off international support and imposing consequences on those involved. The legislation now faces the challenge of advancing through the Senate, where its predecessor stalled last year despite similar strong bipartisan support in the House. Should it pass both chambers, it would represent a significant step in American policy toward addressing these specific human rights concerns.

Sources:

Lone Republican becomes only lawmaker to vote against crackdown on human organ trafficking

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