119th Congress
H.Res. 1259
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
- In committee
- Agreed to
- Sponsor
- Christopher H. Smith(R-NJ)
- Introduced
- May 7, 2026
- Policy area
- International Affairs
- Committees
- House Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Official text
- Engrossed in House · Congress.gov page
Cosponsors (3)
Added later (3)
- John R. Moolenaar (R-MI) · May 11, 2026
- Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY) · May 12, 2026
- Young Kim (R-CA) · May 12, 2026
Summary
Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Introduced in House” version
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.
Roll-call votes
Actions
- May 13, 2026 · House
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. - May 13, 2026 · 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 · House
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438) - May 12, 2026 · House
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. - May 12, 2026 · House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259. - May 12, 2026 · House
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372) - May 12, 2026 · House
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. - May 7, 2026 · House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. - May 7, 2026 · House
Submitted in House