CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Christopher Smith (R-NJ)

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.

H.Res. 1259 · House resolution International Affairs

A Republican resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 3 cosponsors

Last activity — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Adopted

The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.

Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Adopted by the House 414–0

A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

H. Res. 1259 is a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on May 13, 2026. The text highlights the wrongful arrests and detentions of various individuals by the Government of the People's Republic of China for peaceful expression, speech, or religion. It specifically mentions cases involving Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Pastor Jin Mingri, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai. The resolution calls upon the President to prioritize securing the humanitarian release of these individuals during engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the anticipated May 2026 summit. It also urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life, access to legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for the detainees, while reaffirming the United States' commitment to political and religious freedom.

Yes· 3 of 4

  • Scored +7

    Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?

    The resolution advocates for the release of individuals detained for the peaceful expression of speech.

  • Scored +6

    Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?

    The resolution calls for securing access to independent legal counsel for those unjustly detained.

  • Scored +5

    Does this make health care easier to get in general?

    The resolution urges the President to ensure detainees have access to necessary medical care.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

What Congress actually voted on

One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.

  • The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Passed 414 yes · 0 no

    See who voted how →

    05/13/2026 · Roll call 167 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree”