Reschenthaler Bills to Support U.S.-Iraqi Partnership, Combat Predatory Organ Trafficking Pass Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved two pieces of legislation introduced by Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), H. Res. 1062 and H.R. 7805, with unanimous support. H. Res. 1062 is a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the U.S.-Iraq strategic relationship while H.R. 7805, the Stop Predatory Organ Trafficking Act, seeks to end global organ trafficking. Both bills now await action on the House floor.
"As a veteran of the Iraq War, I understand and respect the critical partnership between the United States and Iraq as we work together to counter threats from Iran and other violent extremist organizations in the region," said Reschenthaler. "When I was stationed in Iraq, I prosecuted nearly 100 terrorists. Those cases would not have been possible without the collaboration and commitment of our Iraqi partners. By passing H. Res. 1062, we are demonstrating our continued support for the vital diplomatic and military partnership with Iraq."
The bipartisan resolution calls on Congress and the Administration to continue to support cooperation between the United States and Iraq, and it highlights the importance of both the security and economic aspects of this bilateral relationship. The resolution also stresses the issues facing Iraq today, such as a possible resurgence of ISIS, economic crises, and rising challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
H. R. 7805, introduced by Reschenthaler and cosponsored by Ranking Member McCaul (TX-10), authorizes the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to deny visas or admission to individuals who engage in organ trafficking. The bill also requires the State Department to report annually on the sources, practices, methods, facilitators, and recipients of organ trafficking, as well as the activities taken by the department and other countries to address organ trafficking.
Economic, social, and political upheavals over the last decade have increased the number of individuals, particularly migrants, who are vulnerable to exploitation through the illegal organ trade. Organ trafficking has also been used by terrorist organizations to promote fear while raising funds for their own illicit activities.
"Ten percent of transplanted organs worldwide are illegally obtained, often forcibly harvested from oppressed minorities and prisoners or coerced from vulnerable people," said Reschenthaler. "The Stop Predatory Organ Trafficking Act will address this brutal practice by denying admission to the U.S. for individuals who engage in this barbaric practice. Today's vote is a step towards protecting innocent people throughout the world and combatting this terrible crime."
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