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H.Res.877 / 111th Congress

Expressing support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.

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

Official summary

Version 81 · Passed House without amendment · Nov 7, 2009

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Expresses support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed as a result of the collapse of numerous school buildings in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.

Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) provide Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren with the rights that all Chinese citizens have under the PRC's Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Law; and (2) implement its own National Human Rights Action Plan by allowing parents, concerned citizens, and the news media to investigate the collapse of the school buildings.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1] · D–OR

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
176 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 426 - 1 (Roll no. 880). (text: CR 11/6/2009 H12536)

    House roll call 880 · Individual votes
  3. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 426 - 1 (Roll no. 880).(text: CR 11/6/2009 H12536)

    House roll call 880 · Individual votes
  4. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H12597-12598)

  5. At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Berman objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 877.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H12535-12540)

  8. Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  10. Introduced in House

  11. 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.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Res.877 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.877 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.877 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.877 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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