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US HB5491
Bill
Status
9/18/2025
Primary Sponsor
Christopher Smith
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires the Secretary of State within 60 days to develop a "cases of concern" list tracking U.S. nationals detained in China who are not formally designated as "wrongfully detained," plus family members detained to intimidate or silence American citizens
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Mandates a diplomatic action plan exploring expanded use of the International Prison Transfer Program and China's Law of International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters to secure releases of detained Americans
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Requires classified reports to Congress within 120 days detailing the number of U.S. nationals detained in China, those facing exit bans, and sanctions taken against Chinese officials responsible for detentions
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Establishes that Chinese officials responsible for detaining U.S. nationals or their family members shall be considered to have committed gross human rights violations subject to Global Magnitsky Act sanctions
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Expresses sense of Congress that China should be designated a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention" under Executive Order 14156, citing that more Americans were wrongfully detained in China than any other country in 2024 according to the Foley Foundation
Legislative Description
Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act
International affairs
Last Action
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
9/18/2025