Bill · S.Res. 865· Senate(119-SRES-865)
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the People's Republic of China has engaged in the arbitrary or wrongful detention of American academics and has otherwise harmed the prospects for scientific collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between the United States and the People's Republic of China.
- Introduced
- 9/17/2026
- Last activity
- 9/17/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4802)
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- 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 bill is a Senate resolution expressing the view that the People's Republic of China has wrongfully detained American academics and hurt scientific collaboration. It highlights specific cases, such as the detention of United States citizens Dr. Youlin Chen and Min Zin. The resolution condemns China's pattern of wrongful detentions and urges the United States government to make the safe return of detained citizens a top priority. It asks the Secretary of State to use all available tools to negotiate the release of wrongfully detained nationals, including updating travel advisories and reviewing criteria for State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention. Finally, it supports the President's efforts to raise concerns about the detained individuals and bring them home safely.
Yes
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The resolution highlights the protection of United States citizens abroad, aligning with broader national security support for citizens and personnel.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+4
The resolution urges the executive branch to use diplomatic tools and high-level engagement to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The resolution addresses diplomatic friction and advocates for the release of detained nationals in relations with the People's Republic of China.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Prioritizing the Return of Detained Citizens: The resolution urges the United States government to make the safe return of United States citizens detained in China a top priority, specifically naming Dr. Youlin Chen and Min Zin, which seeks to bring these individuals home to their loved ones (Resolved clause (2) and (4)).
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Improving Travel Warnings: The resolution urges the Secretary of State to consider adding a ``D'' indicator to the China Travel Advisory and raising the Travel Advisory Level from Level 2 to Level 3, which would make the risks of wrongful detention clearer to United States nationals considering travel (Resolved clause (3)(A) and (3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens 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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4Improves International Alliances+3
- 9/17/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4802)
- 3 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.
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California