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.

Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (Republican-NJ)May 7, 2026

AI-generated ?

Report an error

Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

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

Urges President to push for release of unjustly held people in China

This resolution asks the President to prioritize the release of specific people held in China, including during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It also urges the President to get proof these detainees are alive, ensure they have legal help, family contact, and medical care.

What Would Change

Today, several people are unjustly held in China, with some denied basic rights like medical care or family contact. While the U.S. has previously addressed these cases, this resolution would formally ask the President to make their release a top priority in all future diplomatic talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including a planned May 2026 summit. It would also specifically urge the President to seek proof of life, legal help, family contact, and medical care for these people held.

Key Provisions

Calls on the President to prioritize the release of specific individuals held in China during talks with President Xi Jinping.
Urges the President to seek proof of life, legal help, family contact, and medical care for these detainees.
Reaffirms U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedom.

View on Congress.gov

HRES 1259 · 119th Congress · May 7, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity