Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
USA119th CongressHRES-1259| House
| Updated: 5/13/2026
Christopher H. Smith
Republican Representative
New Jersey
Foreign Affairs Committee
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the humanitarian release of several individuals unjustly detained by the People's Republic of China. Specifically, it names Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai, urging their release during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including an anticipated May 2026 summit. The resolution highlights the cases of these individuals, noting their detention for peaceful expression of speech or religion, or in retaliation for family members' actions, and the international condemnation of such arrests. Furthermore, the resolution urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life and ensure these detainees have access to independent legal counsel, communication with family, and necessary medical care. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to defending political and religious freedom globally. The House emphasizes that addressing individual cases of wrongful detention is a crucial component of U.S. diplomacy, reflecting bipartisan commitments to human rights and influencing bilateral relations.
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Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438)
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 0 (Roll no. 167).
View VoteMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
International Affairs
AsiaChinaCongressional-executive branch relationsDetention of personsDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadHuman rightsReligion
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
USA119th CongressHRES-1259| House
| Updated: 5/13/2026
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the humanitarian release of several individuals unjustly detained by the People's Republic of China. Specifically, it names Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai, urging their release during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including an anticipated May 2026 summit. The resolution highlights the cases of these individuals, noting their detention for peaceful expression of speech or religion, or in retaliation for family members' actions, and the international condemnation of such arrests. Furthermore, the resolution urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life and ensure these detainees have access to independent legal counsel, communication with family, and necessary medical care. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to defending political and religious freedom globally. The House emphasizes that addressing individual cases of wrongful detention is a crucial component of U.S. diplomacy, reflecting bipartisan commitments to human rights and influencing bilateral relations.
Suggested Questions
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438)
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 0 (Roll no. 167).
View VoteMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Christopher H. Smith
Republican Representative
New Jersey
Foreign Affairs Committee
International Affairs
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
AsiaChinaCongressional-executive branch relationsDetention of personsDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadHuman rightsReligion