Bill · S.Res. 728· Senate(119-SRES-728)
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.
- Introduced
- 5/13/2026
- Last activity
- 5/13/2026 — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2283; text: CR S2282)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 7
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate
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 view of the Senate that the President should make it a priority to secure the release of specific individuals during future talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The named individuals are Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Ekpar Asat, all of whom have been detained by the People's Republic of China. It also urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life, access to legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for these detainees. Additionally, the text reaffirms the commitment of the United States to defend political and religious freedoms worldwide. The resolution highlights the background of each detainee, including arrests related to freedom of speech or religion. Finally, it notes that addressing arbitrary detentions has historically been an important part of United States diplomacy.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+7
The resolution calls for the release of religious leaders detained for their faith.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+7
The resolution advocates for the release of individuals detained for the peaceful expression of free speech.
Would Asian Americans be better off under this?+5
The resolution advocates for the release of several individuals of Asian descent detained in China.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Advocating for Detainees: Under resolved section (1), the Senate calls on the President to prioritize securing the humanitarian release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Ekpar Asat during engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is positive because it holds our elected officials accountable to push for the freedom of individuals who have been unjustly detained for peaceful expression or religion.
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Ensuring Basic Welfare: Under resolved section (2), the Senate urges the President to seek verifiable proof of life, access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for the detainees. This provision is positive because it aims to protect the basic human rights, health, and well-being of people who are currently denied critical medication and contact with their families.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that create negative consequences, burdens, or harms 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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Religious Freedom+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Asian Americans+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4
- 5/13/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2283; text: CR S2282)
- 14 Cosponsors added.
- Bill introduced.
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.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Chuck GrassleyRepublican · Iowa
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Mitch McConnellRepublican · Kentucky
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland