Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Beijing should immediately guarantee the safety and freedom of tennis star Peng Shuai.

Bill: 117-hres-837
Sponsor: Rep. Wexton, Jennifer [D-VA-10]
Introduced: 2021-12-03 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
Assault and harassment offenses
Athletes
China
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Government studies and investigations
Human rights
International organizations and cooperation
News media and reporting
Olympic games
Political parties and affiliation
Professional sports
Sex offenses
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2021-12-03
text: 
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, by cooperating with the Chinese Communist Party, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) failed to adhere to its own human rights commitments and protect the free speech of Olympic athletes.
 
The resolution also expresses that, in an effort to regain lost public confidence, the IOC should call on the Chinese Communist Party to (1) open an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations of Peng Shuai; (2) publicly commit to holding sexual violence abusers accountable; (3) cease all censorship of reporting and discussions of Peng's case; and (4) allow Peng to leave China if she so desires, and not retaliate against her family members who remain in China.

action_date: 2021-12-08
text: 
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the case of Peng Shuai is directly related to broader international concerns around the freedom of speech and safety of athletes participating in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. 
 
The resolution also expresses that the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in legitimizing China's claims about Peng's safety raises questions about the IOC's ability and willingness to protect the rights of athletes participating in the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic games in Beijing.
 
Finally, the resolution expresses that China should (1) provide independent and verifiable proof of Peng's whereabouts and that she is safe, (2) allow Peng to engage directly with the Women's Tennis Association and the United Nations to independently verify her safety and explain her absence from public life since making her allegation, (3) open an independent and transparent investigation into Peng's allegations against former senior Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, (4) publicly commit to holding sexual violence abusers accountable, (5) cease all censorship of reporting and discussions of Peng's case, and (6) allow Peng to leave China if she so desires and not retaliate against her family members who remain there. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 428 - 0 (Roll no. 413). (text: CR H7505)
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: 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): 428 - 0 (Roll no. 413).(text: CR H7505)
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7534)
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: 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.
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 837.
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7504-7507)
action_date: 2021-12-08
text: Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2021-12-03
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2021-12-03
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-12-03
text: Introduced in House