Whereas strong democracies make strong partners for the United States in fostering the peace and prosperity that our citizens desire; Whereas democratic principles and values have come under increasing strain around the world as foreign governments backslide on their commitments to govern justly, transparently, and with respect for the rights of their citizens; Whereas support for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are consistent with our national character and founding values; Whereas the promotion, protection, and advancement of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world have been core, bipartisan components of United States foreign policy essential to the achievement of other United States foreign policy goals, including reducing poverty, promoting peaceful resolution of conflict, strengthening global alliances, ensuring gender equality, expanding prosperity, fostering greater security for all people, and sustaining the global environment; Whereas the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 states that a principal goal of the foreign policy of the United States is to promote the increased observance of internationally recognized human rights by all countries ; Whereas it is longstanding United States policy to work alongside like-minded democratic governments, legislatures, civil society leaders and organizations, academic institutions and scholars, independent media and journalists, anti-corruption activists, and international organizations worldwide to promote, protect and advance the cause of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; Whereas human rights defenders and journalists play a critical role in promoting human rights, transparency, accountability, and good governance, and around the world often face smear campaigns, criminalization, or other governmental constraints on their work, including intimidation, death threats, arbitrary detention, physical attacks, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and murder