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H.Con.Res.365 / 109th Congress

Urging the Government of China to reinstate all licenses of Gao Zhisheng and his law firm, remove all legal and political obstacles for lawyers attempting to defend criminal cases in China, including politically sensitive cases, and revise law and practice in China so that it conforms to international standards.

Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Official summary

Version 81 · Passed House without amendment · Apr 26, 2006

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Commends "rights defense" lawyers and activists of the People's Republic China (PRC) for their courage and integrity, and expresses moral support for this grass-roots rights defense movement in the PRC.

Urges the government of the PRC to: (1) reinstate all licenses of Gao Zhisheng and his law firm; (2) remove all legal and political obstacles for lawyers attempting to defend criminal and politically sensitive cases in the PRC; (3) revise law and practice in the PRC to conform to international standards; and (4) allow religious believers in China to practice their religion without interference, and release Pastor Cai Zhuohua, his wife, and others imprisoned with him, and allow Pastor Cai to resume religious activities.

Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.

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Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should support democracy and human rights programs in the PRC that strengthen protection of basic rights and freedoms, and should initiate programs to train lawyers, judges, academics, and students about international human rights law; (2) the U.S. government should seek grant proposals and fund programs to promote legal protections and cultural awareness of the right to freedom of religion or belief; and (3) the President should raise the issue of the PRC's harassment, arrest, and persecution of rights defense lawyers and activists and the need to respect the basic human rights of its citizens and the rule of law during his planned April 2006 meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Kennedy, Mark R. [R-MN-6] · R–MN

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
10 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  2. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 104). (text: CR H1751-1752)

    House roll call 104 · Individual votes
  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 104).(text: CR H1751-1752)

    House roll call 104 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1785)

  6. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  7. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 365.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1751-1754)

  9. Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.Con.Res.365 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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