119th Congress · introduced in the House · May 7, 2026
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.
Official title from Congress.gov
Latest action (May 13, 2026): Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
View on Congress.govPolicy area: International Affairs
Congressional Research Service summary, version: Introduced in House (May 7, 2026)
This resolution calls upon the President to prioritize the humanitarian release of five specified individuals (Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai) and others unjustly detained by China during future engagements with China's President Xi Jinping.
The resolution also (1) urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life, access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for these detainees; and (2) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedom and advocating for the release of those unjustly detained for exercising such fundamental freedoms.
Includes amendment, cloture, and procedural votes. Each is labeled with its exact question; only a passage question is a vote to pass the bill.
House · May 13, 2026 · Roll call 167 · Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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). Roll call details
Passed/agreed to in House: 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). Roll call details
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Submitted in House
Submitted in House
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Asia · China · Detention of persons · Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad · Human rights · Religion
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