Us Congress House Bill HR90

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Report Pass: 2/28/23

Caption

Demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party immediately release Mark Swidan.

Impact

The resolution does not directly alter state laws; however, it underscores the commitment of the U.S. government to human rights and the treatment of citizens abroad. It calls for the U.S. government to engage with Chinese authorities to seek Swidan's release while highlighting the broader implications of human rights practices within the PRC. By bringing attention to this case, HR90 could influence future diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, especially regarding human rights issues.

Summary

HR90 is a resolution passed by the House of Representatives demanding the immediate release of Mark Swidan, a U.S. citizen who has been unjustly detained by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The resolution asserts that Swidan's detention is arbitrary and contrary to international law, particularly citing findings from the United Nations Human Rights Council's Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The bill emphasizes the need for diplomatic efforts to secure Swidan's release and to address the violations of his rights and treatment while in custody.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR90 is overwhelmingly supportive, with strong bipartisan backing in the House, as evidenced by the unanimous vote of 417 in favor and none against. The general tone reflects a robust commitment to ensuring that American citizens are protected abroad and that their rights are upheld by foreign governments. This bill serves as a platform for expressing solidarity with individuals who are wrongfully detained and emphasizing the importance of holding countries accountable for their treatment of detainees.

Contention

Despite its unanimous passage, the bill does touch on potential points of contention regarding U.S.-China relations. While most legislators support the bill's goals, critics might question the effectiveness of diplomatic pressure in a context where China has traditionally resisted external criticism of its human rights record. The resolution does not impose sanctions or direct consequences, raising discussions about the impact of symbolic legislative actions versus actual policy changes or interventions.