Conviction of Chinese Christian Pastor Wang Yi

Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson

We are alarmed that Pastor Wang Yi, leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, was tried in secret and sentenced to nine years in prison in connection to his peaceful advocacy for religious freedom. We call for his immediate and unconditional release.

Pastor Wang Yi was originally arrested with dozens of other congregants on December 9, 2018, during a massive crackdown on Chengdu’s largest unregistered church. He was found guilty during a closed-door trial December 26 on trumped-up charges of “inciting subversion of state power” and “illegal business activities,” with no defense lawyer present.

This is yet another example of Beijing’s intensification of repression of Chinese Christians and members of other religious groups. We continue to call on Beijing to uphold its international commitments and promises made in its own constitution to promote religious freedom for all individuals, including members of ethnic and religious minorities and those who worship outside of official state-sanctioned institutions.

Come celebrate with us at the MLK Gateway Groundbreaking!

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Concludes Successful 2019

The Department of Commerce Reached Key Milestones for the Trump Administration Over the Past Year

WASHINGTON – Throughout 2019, under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Department of Commerce and thousands of its employees worked together to maintain the safety of American citizens, fuel the continuing economic revival, and produce new data products while preparing for the 2020 Decennial Census.

“During the past year, the work of the Department has proven to be essential to millions of American businesses and communities across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “We have accomplished countless goals in support of President Trump’s promises to stimulate economic growth, protect national security, as well as ensure fair and reciprocal trade.”

Fueling Economic Innovation and Protecting Growth

Over the course of the past year, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) conducted

Colombia’s Release of Draft Decree on Aerial Coca Eradication

Office of the Spokesperson

The United States welcomes the Duque administration’s release of its draft decree on the resumption of aerial coca eradication, which details how it would meet strict health and environmental conditions set by Colombia’s Constitutional Court. The decision to employ aerial spraying is a sovereign decision for the Colombian government. The release of this draft decree is a critical step toward integrating aerial coca eradication into Colombia’s comprehensive counternarcotics strategy. Like the United States, Colombia recognizes that a successful counternarcotics approach must address both supply and demand reduction. Cocaine production drives deforestation, dumping of toxic chemicals, a proliferation of violent drug trafficking groups, and a growing trend of cocaine consumption, wreaking havoc every day on the lives of Colombians. The United States supports the efforts of the Colombian government to achieve our joint goal of halving coca cultivation and cocaine production by the end of 2023.

Sudan National Day

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I offer best wishes to the people of Sudan as you celebrate your National Day on January 1.

On the 64th anniversary of your national independence, we congratulate Sudan on your heroic efforts to form a responsive and democratic government that empowers all Sudanese, including youth, women, and those from historically marginalized areas.

The United States remains committed to working with the transitional government as Sudan seeks to advance peace, security, prosperity, and respect for human rights. We look forward to deepening our partnership as we secure progress towards these shared goals.

Haiti Independence Day

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Haiti on the 216th anniversary of your independence.

The story of Haiti’s founding – from a rebellion of the enslaved to the creation of a republic based on democratic principles – is testament to what can be accomplished when people are determined to work together for the greater good. Haiti’s Independence Day reminds us that greatness is within our reach when citizens and political leaders put their community and their country first. We hope the New Year will bring all parties together in an inclusive dialogue that ends the political gridlock and results in a government that responds to the pressing needs of the Haitian people.

The ties between the United States and Haiti have grown stronger because of our shared aspirations and the deep connections between the American and Haitian people.

I wish the people of Haiti a happy Independence Day as well as a New Year filled with peace, unity, and progress in solving national challenges.

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser: 2020 Fresh Start 5K

Mayor Muriel Bowser's 6th Annual Fresh Start #FITDC 5K in partnership with AETNA

About this Event
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC residents in the scenic Anacostia Park for the 2020 #FITDC Fresh Start 5K!

As part of the #FITDC initiative, we are inviting people of all ages to join us for this fun fitness activity. Whether you want to run, walk or just cheer folks on, this will be a fun event for all!
Same-day registration and packet pickup begin at 9:00 am and the Fresh Start 5K Walk/Run begins at 10:00 am.

So come kick your New Year off right at Mayor Muriel Bowser's #FITDC Fresh Start 5K in partnership with AETNA!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mayor-muriel-bowsers-6th-annual-fresh-start-fitdc-5k-tickets-80320592053