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H.Res.1370 / 110th Congress

Resolution calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens, to cease repression of Tibetan and Uighur people, and to end its support for the Governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness.

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 30, 2008

Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China to: (1) end abuses of the human rights of its citizens, cease repression of Tibetan and Uighur people, and end its support for the governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness; (2) release all those who have been imprisoned, detained, or harassed for nonviolently exercising their political and religious rights and their right to free expression for seeking to hold China accountable to commitments to improve human rights conditions; (3) honor its commitment to freedom of the press for foreign reporters in China before and during the Olympic Games, make those commitments permanent, and publicly guarantee an immediate end to the detention, harassment, and intimidation of foreign and domestic reporters; (4) permit visitors to China for the period surrounding the Olympics, regardless of religious background, belief, or political opinion; (5) guarantee freedom of movement within China, including Tibet, Xinjiang, and China's border regions, during such period for all visitors, participants, and journalists; (6) guarantee access to information by Chinese citizens and foreign visitors, including domestic and overseas broadcasts, print media, and websites that in the past may have been blocked; (7) permit political dissidents, protesters, petitioners, religious activists, minorities, the disabled, the homeless, and others to maintain their homes, usual locations, jobs, freedom of movement, and freedom to engage in peaceful activities during the period; (8) end the exploitative and dangerous conditions faced by Chinese workers in many state enterprises and other commercial entities; (9) begin earnest negotiations with the Dalai Lama on the future of Tibet to provide for a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the grievances of, and provides autonomy for, the Tibetan people; (10) end its support for the government of Sudan until the violent attacks in Darfur have ceased and the Sudanese government has allowed for the full deployment of the United Nations-African Union Mission peacekeeping force in Darfur; (11) end its support for the government of Burma until democracy is restored, human rights abuses have ceased, and political prisoners of conscience are released; (12) abandon its coercive population control policy; and (13) review the political prisoner list published by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China with a view to releasing ill and aged prisoners on humanitarian grounds and to releasing those imprisoned in violation of Chinese law or international human rights law.

Calls on the President to make a strong public statement on China's human rights situation prior to his departure to Beijing for the Olympic Games, to make a similar statement in Beijing, to meet with the families of jailed prisoners of conscience, and to seek to visit Tibet and Xinjiang.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] · D–CA

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
19 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 539). (text: H7342-7343)

    House roll call 539 · Individual votes
  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 539).(text: H7342-7343)

    House roll call 539 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7518-7519)

  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. Res. 1370.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7342-7347)

  9. Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  10. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  11. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  12. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  13. Introduced in House

  14. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Res.1370 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

Examine H.Res.1370 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.Res.1370 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.Res.1370 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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