Recalling Tiananmen Square

Floor Speech

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today marks the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

The violent suppression and forcible dispersion in Tiananmen Square by the Government of China resulted in the death and injury of peaceful demonstrators.

I have worked with Members of the Senate from both sides of the aisle, through the Foreign Relations Committee, on a resolution expressing sympathy to the families of those killed, those tortured, and those imprisoned due to their participation in the peaceful democracy movement in Tiananmen Square.

Our resolution also calls out the Government of China for subjecting its citizens to physical attacks, harassment, and detention for attempting to discuss or commemorate the events of June 1989.

The Chinese authorities to this day continue to block and censor public discussions and events marking the anniversary of Tiananmen Square.

The resolution also condemns the ongoing human rights abuses by the Government of China.

The United States has a long record of championing liberty and freedom around the world. The Senate must stand up and support those individuals who have in the past and continue to this very day to demand their rights in China.

So Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 383, S. Res. 451. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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