Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement concerning the State Department’s release today of the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: 

"By deliberately watering down or cutting factual reporting on global human rights violations—from denial of fair trial and inhumane prison conditions to restrictions on freedom of expression—the State Department under Secretary Rubio has shamelessly turned a once-credible tool of U.S. foreign policy mandated by Congress into yet another instrument to advance MAGA political grievances and culture war obsessions. This administration continues to do irreparable harm to America’s credibility and global leadership as it retreats from defending human rights abroad and attacks the rule of law and civil liberties of Americans here at home. Trump and Republicans care more about advancing their own power and political agenda than defending human rights, including yours.”