when threatened, imprisoned, in exile, or in hiding. (13) Given the dramatic increase in attacks on human rights defenders globally, the current approach by the United States Government to address such attacks is insufficient to adequately respond to the threats human rights defenders face, weakening the ability of the United States to advance human rights and democratic principles at a time when authoritarianism is on the rise. 3. Definitions In this Act— (1) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. (2) Human rights defender (A) In general The term human rights defender means an individual, working alone or in a group, who uses nonviolent means to promote or protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, in a manner consistent with the principles described in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. (B) Inclusions The term human rights defender may include members of civil society organizations, journalists, activists, lawyers, community leaders, whistleblowers, and others. (3) Reprisal The term reprisal means an act or omission that— (A) violates, intends to violate, or encourages a violation of the rights of a human rights defender