The Chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley, have issued a letter to President Biden. They are urging him to use the remaining months of his presidency to advocate for Americans detained in China, specifically naming Kai Li, Mark Swidan, Nelson Wells, Jr., and Dawn Michelle Hunt.

This appeal follows a recent CECC hearing titled “Bringing Home Americans Detained in China,” where testimonies were heard from the families of those detained. The Chairs are calling on President Biden to meet with these families and prioritize the release of detained Americans in any future discussions with China's General Secretary and President Xi Jinping.

Kai Li and Mark Swidan have been officially recognized by the U.S. government as "wrongfully detained." The Chairs also emphasize the need for diplomatic efforts concerning Nelson Wells, Jr., and Dawn Michelle Hunt, both of whom are said to have not received fair trials and face serious health issues that are not being adequately addressed by Chinese authorities.

The full letter includes additional recommendations from the Chairs on how to assist Americans detained in China.