Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives That the President Should Prioritize Securing the Release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and His Wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai Detained By the Peoples Republic of China During Future Engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Floor Speech

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Mrs. KIM. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding.

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1259. This resolution sends a very clear message: The United States will not be silent while the Chinese Communist Party continues to detain, torture, and disappear innocent people, including family members of American citizens.

These individuals are not criminals. They are pastors, doctors, publishers, and brave voices who have been targeted simply because they threaten the CCP's fabricated narrative and grip on power.

Under the CCP's rule, there has been ample evidence of modern-day concentration camps in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities face genocide because of their language, culture, and beliefs.

In Hong Kong, the National Security Law and Article 23 have crushed basic freedoms. Jimmy Lai, the courageous founder of Apple Daily, has now spent over 5 years imprisoned. In February of this year, he was sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison, which is essentially a life sentence. At 78 years old, his health is deteriorating, and his case is a symbol of Beijing's assault on the rule of law and basic human rights.

The CCP's unrelenting persecution campaign and coercion do not stop at Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Around the world, Tibetans, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and prodemocracy voices are under threat.

As President Trump prepares to engage directly with Xi Jinping this week, we urge for the prioritization of the immediate and unconditional release of Pastor Jin Mingri; Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu; Dr. Gulshan Abbas; Jimmy Lai; and all others justly detained.

Several of these individuals have family members who are U.S. citizens. Their loved ones here at home deserve answers and action.

I commend President Trump for always putting America first and demonstrating strength and resolve on the world stage.

We reject the CCP's reign of terror. We stand with every freedom- loving people in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, and across China who dreams of a day when faith is not a crime and truth is not censored.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I urge the administration to make the release of these individuals a priority in engaging with Beijing.

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