United States 113th Congress Status: Died 1 R cosponsors

HRES 599 — Urging the Government of the People's Republic of China to respect the freedom of assembly, expression, and religion and all fundamental human rights and the rule of law for all its citizens and to stop censoring discussion of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations and their violent suppression.

Last action — On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 - 1 (Roll no. 241). (text: CR H4851-4852)

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. Died in session

This bill died with 113th Congress. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Urges the government of China to stop censoring information about the June 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Expresses sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned as a result of their participation in the Tiananmen Square democracy protests. Supports all peaceful advocates for human rights and the rule of law in China for their efforts to advance democratic reforms and human rights during the past. Condemns the government of China's ongoing human rights abuses. Calls on the Broadcasting Board of Governors to take appropriate steps to circumvent Chinese Internet censorship and to provide information to the people of China about the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Calls on the United States to: (1) make human rights, including religious freedom, a priority in bilateral discussions with China; and (2) instruct the U.S. representative at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to introduce a resolution calling for an examination of China's human rights practices. Calls on China to: (1) end the harassment, detention, and torture of Chinese citizens expressing their freedom of religion, expression, and association, including on the Internet; (2) release all remaining prisoners who continue to be detained because of their participation in the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations; (3) allow protest participants who are living in exile to return to China without risk of retribution; and (4) end Internet, media, and academic censorship of discussions of the Tiananmen protests and related events. Calls on the Administration and Congress to continue to mark the events of Tiananmen Square. Finds that U.S. relations with China are more likely to further improve once China respects the individual human rights of all its people.

Bill Text

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Read HRES 599 on the official United States source →

Action History

  1. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 - 1 (Roll no. 241). (text: CR H4851-4852)

  2. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4866-4867)

  3. 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.

  4. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 599.

  5. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4851-4856)

  6. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

  7. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does HRES 599 do?
Urges the government of China to stop censoring information about the June 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Expresses sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned as a result of their participation in the Tiananmen Square democracy protests. Supports all peaceful advocates for human rights and the rule of law in China for their efforts to advance democratic reforms and human rights during the past. Condemns the government of China's ongoing human rights abuses. Calls on the Broadcasting Board of Governors to take appropriate steps to circumvent Chinese Internet censorship and to provide information to the people of China about the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Calls on the United States to: (1) make human rights, including religious freedom, a priority in bilateral discussions with China; and (2) instruct the U.S. representative at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to introduce a resolution calling for an examination of China's human rights practices. Calls on China to: (1) end the harassment, detention, and torture of Chinese citizens expressing their freedom of religion, expression, and association, including on the Internet; (2) release all remaining prisoners who continue to be detained because of their participation in the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations; (3) allow protest participants who are living in exile to return to China without risk of retribution; and (4) end Internet, media, and academic censorship of discussions of the Tiananmen protests and related events. Calls on the Administration and Congress to continue to mark the events of Tiananmen Square. Finds that U.S. relations with China are more likely to further improve once China respects the individual human rights of all its people.
Who sponsors HRES 599?
HRES 599 is sponsored by Christopher Smith (R).
What is the current status of HRES 599?
This bill died with 113th Congress. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HRES 599?
Track HRES 599 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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