John Moolenaar (R-MI)
Marking the eighth anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of Dr. Gulshan Abbas by the Government of the People's Republic of China, condemning the use of transnational repression to retaliate against the exercise of free speech in the United States, and calling for her immediate and unconditional release.
A Republican resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
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
This resolution marks the eighth anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of Dr. Gulshan Abbas by the Government of the People's Republic of China. It condemns the use of transnational repression meant to retaliate against people exercising free speech inside the United States. The text calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Abbas so she can reunite with her family. It also urges the President, the Secretary of State, and other officials to use diplomatic tools and sanctions to push for her freedom. Finally, the measure reaffirms that individuals in the United States must be able to speak freely without fear that a foreign government will punish their relatives abroad.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The measure calls on the President and Secretary of State to use diplomatic tools and raise the case of Dr. Abbas in bilateral engagements with Chinese officials.
- Scored +8
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The measure condemns transnational repression intended to retaliate against and silence individuals exercising their freedom of speech in the United States.
- Scored +7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The resolution urges the U.S. Government to work with allies and partners to press for the release of Dr. Abbas and oppose transnational repression.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Standing up for free speech and holding foreign governments accountable: Under resolved paragraph (3), (4), and (5), the House condemns China for using the detention of family members to silence people exercising free speech in the U.S. This is a positive step because it defends our fundamental rights and national sovereignty, ensuring Americans can speak out without fear of foreign retaliation.
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Pushing for the release of an unjustly detained individual: Under resolved paragraph (2), (7), and (8), the measure calls on the Chinese government to immediately release Dr. Gulshan Abbas and urges the President and Secretary of State to prioritize her release using diplomatic tools. This brings direct official pressure to help free an innocent person and reunite her with her American family members.
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Imposing consequences on wrongdoers: Under resolved paragraph (9), the text calls on the U.S. Government to identify and impose sanctions or other accountability measures on Chinese officials responsible for Dr. Abbas's detention and transnational repression. This holds foreign officials accountable for harming innocent people and violating human rights.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: Based strictly on the text provided, there are no sections or provisions that create negative outcomes, burdens, or consequences for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The measure calls on the President and Secretary of State to use diplomatic tools and raise the case of Dr. Abbas in bilateral engagements with Chinese officials. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The resolution urges the U.S. Government to work with allies and partners to press for the release of Dr. Abbas and oppose transnational repression. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The resolution emphasizes defending fundamental rights and standing up against foreign government retaliation, indirectly supporting individuals including those with familial ties to service members.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The measure condemns transnational repression intended to retaliate against and silence individuals exercising their freedom of speech in the United States. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution calls on the Chinese government to provide verifiable information concerning Dr. Abbas's location, health, and conditions of detention.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The resolution stands up against transnational repression that targets individuals and their families across borders, benefiting immigrant communities who may have family abroad.
- 9/21/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York