Congressional Caucus | Victims of Communism

History

In November of 2017, Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), and Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced the formation of the bipartisan Victims of Communism Caucus for the 115^th Congress (2017-2019). It was launched for the Centennial commemoration of the Bolshevik Revolution.

The Caucus focuses on commemorating the 100 million victims of communism who perished in the 20th century, and on showing the impact of the communist legacy in former captive nations. It also focuses on the current international impact of the five existing communist regimes of China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam.

In recent years, the Caucus has championed the designation of the annual Victims of Communism Memorial Day. In 2019, Rep. Dan Lipinski, Co-Chair of the Victims of Communism Caucus, introduced a House resolution expressing support for the designation, listing the crimes committed by communist regimes (which have murdered 100 million people), condemning the destructive effects of Marxism, and calling on the President to issue a yearly proclamation declaring November 7th as National Day for the Victims of Communism. Similar resolutions have now been passed or introduced in nine states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia).

Founding Caucus Members

Current Caucus Members

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Co-Chair
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Member
Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), Member
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Member
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Member
Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), Member
Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Member
Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Member
Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX), Member

Issue Areas

Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War veterans’ affairs
Latin America, especially Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua
Russian revisionism and aggression
Chinese Communist Party persecution and propaganda
Human rights and religious liberty in Asia
Freedom and democracy in Hong Kong
Memory and legacy of the Soviet Union and of Captive Nations
Foreign communist party malign influence and interference in the U.S.

Signature Legislation Introduced by Caucus Members

H.Res.679 — Expressing support for designation of November 7 as annual “Victims of Communism Memorial Day”
H.R.3289 — Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019
H.R.649 — Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019
H.R.7245 — Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018
H.Res.300 — Expressing support for the designation of August 23, 2019, as Black Ribbon Day to recognize the victims of Soviet and Nazi regimes
H.Res.889 — Recognizing the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the 30th anniversary of the restoration of their independence

Signature Events

March 29 — National Vietnam War Veterans Day
June 3 — Tiananmen Square Massacre Vigil
June 12 — Roll Call of Nations Ceremony
June 27 — National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
July 19-25 — National Captive Nations Week
August 23 — Black Ribbon Day
November 7 — National Day for the Victims of Communism

Congressional Testimonials

“The dedication of the Victims of Communism Museum represents a lasting commitment to the mission of ensuring future generations understand the devastating consequences of unbridled tyranny. As Co-Chair of the Caucus, I look forward to working with the Museum and supporting this vital mission, especially in this era when we face new and growing threats to freedom’s reign around the world.”
– Rep. Marcy Kaptur, VOC Caucus Co-Chair

“Communism is a godless, materialist ideology that continues to threaten the liberty of freedom-loving people across the world—especially as Xi Jinping’s communist regime accumulates increased financial muscle and technological prowess to spread its influence abroad. It seems, regrettably, that each generation must learn anew that communism is premised on denying human dignity and crushing the spirit, and the Victims of Communism Foundation has done tremendous work in exposing the evil inflicted by dictators from Stalin to Castro to Xi, not to mention Mengistu and Mao. The new museum will help inform so many—especially young Americans—of the evils of communism to guard against this horrific ideology for years to come.”
– Rep. Chris Smith, VOC Caucus Co-Chair

“My constituents in Miami have felt communism’s oppression firsthand, many fleeing Marxist dictators across Latin America. However, we need to educate more of those who don’t have context and haven’t been directly affected by the failures of these dangerous doctrines,” said Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. “The Victims of Communism Museum belongs in our nation’s capital where Americans and foreign visitors will see, hear, and learn the dangers of communist and Marxist ideologies, especially while they threaten to gain a foothold here in our country. The museum’s place in D.C. will constantly remind us to never lose sight of our love of freedom, liberty and self-governance. I congratulate and thank the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation for their dedication to warning all against communism and for helping the United States remain the beacon of hope and democracy around the world.”
– Rep. Maria Salazar

“I am honored that the Victims of Communism Foundation invited me to join them in the opening of a museum to honor Communism’s millions of victims, and to educate our friends, colleagues, and future generations on the evils of Communism,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. “I am grateful that the VOC continues to truthfully and effectively ensure that the world never forgets the atrocities and oppression that has occurred due to Communist and socialist tyranny, and which continue to cause immense suffering in places such as Cuba, Venezuela, China, and North Korea. I thank the VOC, particularly its many courageous and renowned staff, trustees, and council members, for their steadfast commitment to exposing the evils of Communism and for continuing to highlight the heroes – past and present – who dare to oppose it.”
– Rep. Mario Diaz Balart

“For more than 25 years, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has played a pivotal role in highlighting the plight endured by individuals who have lived, or are currently living, under communist rule in Cuba, China, North Korea, Venezuela, and other countries. This museum will serve as a posthumous tribute to the fallen victims of communism and continue the never-ending fight against this destructive ideology.”
– Senator Marco Rubio

“Although Ukraine is not at our doorstep, it is at freedom’s doorstep. That is what this Museum is about—freedom. America, a united Europe, and indeed most of the rest of the free world as we resist Putin’s assault on democracy as Havel resisted the assault on democracy by the Soviet leaders. Memory of moral leaders like Havel continue to guide us, that is why this institution [VOC] is so important. That is why this exhibit and organizations like the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation need to be supported and to be expanded. We must never lose sight of what Havel and others risked their lives for—democracy, freedom, and human rights.”
– Rep. Steny Hoyer