A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Ekpar Asat detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jingping.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 728
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-13: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2283; text: CR S2282)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T13:25:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This Senate resolution expresses the view that the President should make the release of several individuals detained by the People's Republic of China a priority during future meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including an anticipated summit in May 2026. It highlights concerns over arbitrary detention related to peaceful expression of speech or religion.
Key Provisions
- Calls on the President to place the cases of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Ekpar Asat on the agenda for diplomatic engagements with President Xi.
- Urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life for the detainees along with access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care.
- Reaffirms the United States' commitment to defending political and religious freedoms worldwide.
- Details specific circumstances of each case, including dates of detention, charges described as politically motivated, and health concerns such as denial of medication.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it serves only as an expression of opinion and does not create new legal requirements or amend statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On international relations, it may shape U.S. diplomatic priorities in talks with China by emphasizing these individual cases.
- On citizens, it aims to draw attention to the welfare of the named detainees and their families, potentially supporting humanitarian advocacy efforts.
- On government agencies, it encourages the executive branch to incorporate these issues into foreign policy discussions without mandating specific actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The named detainees and their family members.
- The U.S. President and executive branch officials handling foreign policy.
- The Government of the People's Republic of China.
- U.S. Senators and members of Congress who supported the measure.
- Human rights organizations and advocates focused on religious and political freedoms.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Politically, the resolution reflects bipartisan agreement on raising human rights concerns in U.S.-China relations.
- Constitutionally, it illustrates the Senate's role in voicing opinions on foreign affairs, which falls primarily under executive authority, though such resolutions are a standard tool for expressing legislative sentiment.
- Legally, it underscores ongoing concerns about due process, access to medical care, and fair trials in cases involving U.S. and foreign nationals detained abroad.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (14)
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-13: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2283; text: CR S2282)
- 2026-05-13: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Ekpar Asat detained by the People’s Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (5 pages)