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.
119-HRES-1259119th CongressIntroduced May 7, 2026International Affairs
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4](R-NJ-4)3 cosponsors
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.
Subjects
AsiaChinaDetention of personsDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadHuman rightsReligion
Actions (10)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 13, 2026House floor actions
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, 2026House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
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, 2026Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437-3438)
May 13, 2026House floor actions
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, 2026House floor actions
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
May 12, 2026House floor actions
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
May 12, 2026House floor actions
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
May 12, 2026House floor actions
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
May 7, 2026House floor actions
Submitted in House
May 7, 2026Library of Congress