Bill · S.Res. 677· Senate(119-SRES-677)
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, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Introduced
- 4/16/2026
- Last activity
- 4/16/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1826)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 7
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the detention of specific individuals by the People's Republic of China. It calls on the President to prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The resolution highlights various detainees facing charges related to speech, religion, or national security. It specifically mentions the need for medical care and family communication for those held. The Senate aims to use these cases as a priority in upcoming diplomatic summits. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the United States' commitment to defending political and religious freedoms.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+7
The resolution advocates for the release of individuals detained for the peaceful expression of speech.
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+7
The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending religious freedom for those detained for their faith.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+6
The resolution calls for securing access to independent legal counsel and due process for wrongfully detained individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Securing the release of detained individuals: The resolution calls for the President to prioritize the humanitarian release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai (Section 1). This could lead to these individuals returning to their families and lives.
-
Ensuring health and well-being of detainees: The resolution urges the President to seek access to medical care for those detained (Section 2). This is particularly relevant as the text notes that Pastor Gao's wife, Pang Yu, has been denied critical prescription medication, and Pastor Jin Mingri lacks medication for diabetes (Whereas clauses). It also notes Dr. Gulshan Abbas suffers from severe high blood pressure and osteoporosis (Whereas clause).
-
Providing due process and communication: The resolution seeks to secure access to independent legal counsel and communication with family members for the detainees (Section 2). This would address concerns regarding those held without contact with their families in the United States or the People's Republic of China (Whereas clause).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Due Process+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4
- 5/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/16/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1826)
- 12 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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