DemocratBill · 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.

Rep. Durbin
Age: 82 years
Illinois
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
Democrat - 7Republican - 7
International Affairs
  1. Introduced
  2. Officially Recorded
  3. 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.