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H.Res. 1259119th CongressINTRODUCEDBIPARTISAN

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.

Introduced May 7, 2026Chris Smith (R-NJ)3 cosponsorsSource

Summary

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.

Bill text versions

Legislative Journey

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Floor
  4. Passed Chamber 1
  5. Passed Chamber 2
  6. Signed
May 13, 2026

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

House
May 13, 2026

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).

House
May 13, 2026

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).

May 13, 2026

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438)

House
May 12, 2026

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.

House
May 12, 2026

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.

House
May 12, 2026

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)

House
May 12, 2026

Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

House
May 7, 2026

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

House
May 7, 2026

Submitted in House