Washington D.C. — U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (VA-02) has been appointed to serve on the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) for the 119th Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced this week.
“I am honored to accept an appointment to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China,” Kiggans said in a statement. “I am grateful to Speaker Johnson and Chairman Chris Smith for this opportunity and will work diligently to fulfill the mandate of the Commission.”
Established by Congress in 2000 as part of the legislation granting China permanent normal trade relations status, the CECC was designed to ensure U.S. policymakers closely monitor human rights and rule of law conditions in the People’s Republic of China. The commission issues an annual report to the President and Congress and holds hearings on issues such as religious freedom, the treatment of ethnic minorities, and the legal system in China.
The CECC consists of nine Senators, nine Members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President. It has played a key role in spotlighting human rights abuses, from the imprisonment of political dissidents to the repression of religious groups, and has influenced U.S. sanctions and trade policy decisions.
In her statement, Kiggans, a former Navy helicopter pilot and nurse practitioner, cited ongoing concerns about human rights violations in China, including forced labor, reeducation camps, and the persecution of minority groups such as Uyghurs and Falun Gong practitioners. She also underscored the need for American companies to examine their supply chains to avoid complicity in abuses.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s disregard for basic human rights and international norms poses a direct challenge to the values we hold dear,” Kiggans said. “It is critical that we continue to hold them accountable and ensure American businesses are not inadvertently supporting forced labor or other atrocities.”
Kiggans’ appointment gives Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District a voice on one of Capitol Hill’s most prominent platforms for U.S.-China policy oversight. Her position comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing remain high over trade, technology, and the status of Taiwan.
The CECC has historically been a focal point for bipartisan concern about China’s global influence and internal repression. Its findings often shape legislative proposals, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing human rights and security challenges posed by the Chinese government.
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