A resolution demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 23

119th Congress

A resolution demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan.

Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consider

Introduced:Jan 13, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hawley Tuberville

Senator

Republican

AL

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This resolution demands that the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan. Swidan is an American citizen who has been detained in China since 2012 on drug-related charges that the U.S. government considers wrongful. He has been held for over a decade, with concerns raised about his treatment, lack of due process, and the validity of evidence against him. The resolution calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution demands that the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan. Swidan is an American citizen who has been detained in China since 2012 on drug-related charges that the U.S. government considers wrongful. He has been held for over a decade, with concerns raised about his treatment, lack of due process, and the validity of evidence against him. The resolution calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution expresses recognition that the Air Force’s Strategic Basing Action process complied with law and policy and was justified in identifying Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred permanent location for Space Command Headquarters.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Demands China immediately release American citizen Mark Swidan
Addresses both Chinese government and Communist Party of China
Concerns wrongful detention of U.S. citizen since 2012
Raises due process and human rights concerns about his imprisonment
Calls for unconditional release after over a decade of detention

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

For Mark Swidan and family: Congressional pressure for his release and return home. For U.S.-China relations: Adds to tensions over detained American citizens. For State Department: Supports diplomatic efforts to secure Swidans freedom. For other Americans detained abroad: Signals congressional attention to wrongful detention cases. For human rights advocates: Highlights concerns about Chinas treatment of foreign nationals.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Alabama

Commemorative events and holidays

Military facilities and property

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

23, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-23