Bill > HR5491

This bill, named the "Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act," aims to address the issue of Americans being unjustly detained in China by requiring the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive diplomatic action plan. The bill mandates creating a list of "cases of concern" involving U.S. nationals detained in China who have not been officially designated as "wrongfully detained," and requires a detailed report to Congress that includes the number of detained Americans, exit ban cases, and strategies for securing their release. The legislation provides support for families of detained individuals by offering guidance on navigating diplomatic channels, understanding U.S. policy, and connecting with resources. Additionally, the bill establishes a policy to consider Chinese government officials responsible for unjust detentions as having committed human rights violations, potentially making them subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that China uses detention and exit bans as tools to punish, censor, or gain advantages, and calls for using diplomatic and accountability mechanisms to address these practices. Importantly, the bill instructs U.S. representatives at international organizations like the United Nations to highlight these detention cases, condemn exit bans, and press for investigations into arbitrary detentions.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5491/all-info