HRES 1259
119th Congress
House
International Affairs
Asia
China
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Human rights
Religion
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 12, 2026
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Everywhere this bill has been
10 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 13, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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).
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)
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.
May 12, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259.
May 12, 2026
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3372-3375; text: CR H3372)
May 12, 2026
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
May 7, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
May 7, 2026
Submitted in House
Votes taken on this bill
1
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | House · vote #167 | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree | Passed | 414–0 | See who voted → |
Plain-English 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.
What's happening now
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Committees of jurisdiction
1