Bill · S. 288· Senate(119-S-288)
Southern Mongolian Human Rights Policy Act
- Introduced
- 1/29/2025
- Last activity
- 1/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Southern Mongolian Human Rights Policy Act aims to support and promote the human rights of Southern Mongolians in the People's Republic of China. It identifies several issues including the suppression of the Mongolian language, religious restrictions, and the loss of traditional pastoralist livelihoods. The bill establishes a policy to advocate for the cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage of these people. It encourages the President and Secretary of State to take actions such as condemning abuses and coordinating with international allies. Additionally, the act suggests creating specific diplomatic, broadcasting, and cultural preservation efforts.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+7
The bill promotes the fundamental freedom of expression for Southern Mongolian dissidents and activists.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+6
The bill advocates for the human rights and cultural survival of the Southern Mongolian ethnic group against assimilation policies.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill supports the preservation of the traditional pastoralist way of life in rural areas.
The opposite
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-1
The bill urges US companies to avoid activities that contribute to the resettlement of nomads, which could impact certain commercial interests.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Human Rights: The bill establishes a policy to support fundamental freedoms such as expression, peaceful assembly, and religion (Section 3).
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Preservation of Language and Culture: The act seeks to support the ability of Southern Mongolians to use and promote their own spoken and written language (Section s 3 and 4).
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Cultural and Religious Safeguards: It encourages work with UNESCO to identify and protect world heritage sites related to traditional Mongolian culture (Section 4).
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Increased Information Access: The bill directs the establishment of a Voice of America service to provide Mongolian language programming to speakers in China, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation (Section 8).
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Cultural Heritage Preservation: It suggests funding through the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences to help preserve cultures endangered by repressive policies (Section 9).
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Economic Autonomy and Sustainability: The policy supports the right of Southern Mongolians to maintain traditional livelihoods, such as pastoralism, and participate in economic development (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sanctions and Restrictions: The bill suggests the President may impose targeted sanctions and visa restrictions on certain individuals (Section 4).
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Economic Risks for Companies: The act notes that United States companies operating in autonomous areas should ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights violations or the resettlement of nomads (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Union Workers+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Privacy Rights+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves School Choice+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-1
- 1/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska