“Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” as a Beacon for All Humanity — Remarks by Congressman Pat Ryan at the D.C. Rally Agai
On July 17, 2025, marking the 26th anniversary of the persecution of Falun Gong, 1,500 Falun Gong practitioners and supporters from the eastern United States gathered on the National Mall near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., calling to “Stop the Persecution of Falun Gong.” More than a dozen U.S. officials, human rights leaders, and advocates delivered speeches in support of Falun Gong.
Ahead of the rally, officials from the U.S. State Department and over ten bipartisan members of Congress issued statements condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution and demanding its immediate end.
Congressman Pat Ryan, representing New York’s 18th Congressional District, said:
“Thank you to each of you, especially for standing here in this heat. You represent millions, and your voices and presence matter greatly. I am honored to be with you. This demonstrates your firm commitment to the principles of Falun Gong.”
He added:
“My district has a very special place — Dragon Springs, the global headquarters of Falun Gong in Orange County, New York. I have visited multiple times and spent time with community members, leaders, and practitioners. It is not only beautiful in scenery but also deeply meaningful in moral and spiritual terms. Representing that place is a great honor for me. I feel I, in some small way, represent all of you and the work you do — steadfastly adhering to the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. These values serve as a beacon for everyone in the United States, especially in the Hudson Valley, and I believe for people worldwide.”
He emphasized:
“Your efforts to promote these values are, as previous speakers mentioned, a beacon during extremely difficult and dangerous times. This is why I feel especially proud when we face blatant challenges and attacks on human rights and the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Ryan praised the community, noting that many talented performers train at Dragon Springs and exhibit great discipline and dedication. He also praised Shen Yun, calling it a “spectacular performance” that showcases why Falun Gong and traditional Chinese culture must be protected. He stressed that practitioners deserve to live freely and without fear.
He highlighted the Falun Gong Protection Act, a historic bipartisan bill aimed at sanctioning perpetrators involved in organ harvesting and directing U.S. government action to support Falun Gong practitioners. The Act requires the State Department to assess whether the CCP’s actions constitute genocide or crimes against humanity, prohibits cooperation with China on organ transplant research, investigates any indirect involvement by U.S. medical institutions, and sanctions those responsible.
Ryan urged continued prayer and advocacy to ensure the Act’s passage in the Senate.