Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 18, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R. 5491, the Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act, addresses the wrongful detention of Americans in China and establishes definitions and policy objectives to address this issue. The bill defines key terms including "cases of concern" (wrongful detentions aimed at silencing human rights advocacy or influencing U.S. policy), affected family members, and the congressional committees responsible for oversight. It commits the United States to use its influence at the United Nations and other multilateral organizations to publicize cases of detained Americans, condemn China's practice of using travel restrictions as coercion, oppose the detention of family members for intimidation purposes, and encourage UN investigations into cases involving retaliation against relatives of detained Americans. The legislation affects U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents detained in China, as well as their family members.
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