Holland Reporter

South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) has introduced H.R. 5271, the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill is co-led by Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), along with Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Julie Johnson (D-TX), and Jefferson Shreve (R-IN). Additional cosponsors include Rich McCormick (R-GA), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Mike Lawler (R-NY).

The legislation follows work from H.Res. 901, which was previously passed in the House with broad bipartisan support. The new bill emphasizes U.S. backing for democracy and free elections in Pakistan, calling on Pakistan’s government to uphold human rights standards. It also gives the President authority to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act against senior officials in Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces who are found responsible for serious human rights violations or actions that undermine democracy.

Bill Huizenga has represented Michigan’s 4th district in Congress since 2011 after replacing Pete Hoekstra. He previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009 and holds a BA from Calvin College.

“The United States will not sit idly by as individuals who currently serve or have previously served in Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces commit or downplay blatant human rights abuses,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act is a bipartisan measure designed to protect the people of Pakistan by holding bad actors accountable and ensuring that neither the democratic process nor free speech is drowned out in Pakistan.”

“Promoting democracy and protecting human rights are core tenets of U.S. foreign policy and must remain central to the Administration’s engagement in Pakistan,” said Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove. “At a time of democratic backsliding and global unrest, the U.S. must defend these values at home and abroad—and hold those who undermine them accountable. I’m proud to join Chair Huizenga in introducing legislation to sanction those who threaten democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan.”

Congresswoman Julie Johnson added: “The bipartisan Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act makes clear that the United States stands firmly with the people of Pakistan in their pursuit of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By holding officials accountable when they undermine free and fair elections or commit gross human rights abuses, we send a strong message: those who attack democracy will face consequences, and they will not find impunity on the global stage. Our nation will continue to champion freedom, accountability, and democratic values, because these principles are the foundation of peace and stability around the world.”

Asad Malik, Former President of PAKPAC commented: “This Legislation empowers the people of Pakistan and ensure that human rights, free speech, and democracy violators will be accountable and face appropriate consequences.”

First Pakistan Global stated: “We thank Chairman Huizenga for his bold and principled leadership, which is critical for the national interest of the United States. For too long, the voices of ordinary Pakistanis have been silenced under undeclared military rule, through tactics of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, intimidation, and censorship of media and journalists. H.R.5271 is not just a bill — it demonstrates solidarity with 250 million people. It affirms that the U.S. Congress is listening, and that Pakistani-Americans will not stop fighting until democracy and human rights are restored in Pakistan, including freedom for Prime Minister Imran Khan and all political prisoners.”

Huizenga was born in Zeeland, Michigan in 1969; he is currently 54 years old living in Holland.