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H.Res. 1259 · International Affairs
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, 2026 · Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
What does this mean?

This resolution is Congress telling the President what it thinks he should focus on when he next meets with China's leader, Xi Jinping — specifically, pushing for the release of five people currently detained in China: two pastors, one pastor's wife, a doctor, and a media entrepreneur. It also asks the President to demand proof that these people are alive and being treated properly, that they can talk to lawyers and family, and that they get medical care if needed. Importantly, this doesn't force the President to do anything or change any law — it's a formal statement of opinion from the House expressing support for these detainees and for religious and political freedom more broadly, with no binding requirements attached.

Read the official CRS summary on Congress.gov →
Bill Lifecycle
Real action history from Congress.gov — where this bill is in the process, and every recorded step along the way.
Referred to Committee
May 7, 2026
Passed House
May 13, 2026
Full action history (10)
May 7, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
May 7, 2026Submitted in House
May 12, 2026At 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, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
May 12, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
May 12, 2026Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
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