Boosting US Diplomatic Efforts for Americans Unjustly Detained in China.
This Act mandates the State Department to create a diplomatic action plan and a list of Americans and their family members unjustly detained or facing exit bans in China. The goal is to intensify efforts for their release, provide crucial support to their families, and hold Chinese officials accountable for mistreatment. Released individuals will receive a formal declaration invalidating their Chinese convictions for US background check purposes.
Key points
Establishes a formal list of "cases of concern" and designates a State Department official as a regular point of contact for affected families.
Provides families of unjustly detained Americans with resources, legal guidance, and information on US government release efforts.
Allows for sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for unjust detentions, torture, and mistreatment under the Global Magnitsky Act.
Introduces a "declaration of invalidity" for released nationals, helping them reintegrate by officially disregarding their Chinese detention records.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5491
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Process start date: 2025-09-18