The family of Julian Assange has welcomed more support from US politicians for an end to the extradition of the WikiLeaks founder.

The Australian remains in Belmarsh prison in London as he continues his campaign not to be sent to the US, where he fears spending the rest of his life in jail.

Democrat congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has signed a resolution calling for all charges against Assange to be dropped.

His brother Gabriel Shipton said: “Rep Jayapal adding her name to House Res 934 is another marker on the road to Julian’s freedom and the defence of the First Amendment.

“With President Biden saying he is considering dropping the case, this growing bipartisan disquiet should be a factor.”

The resolution states: “The Federal Government ought to drop all charges against and attempts to extradite Julian Assange, and the Federal Government allow Julian Assange to return home to his native Australia if he so desires.”

Rep Jayapal becomes the 12th co-sponsor of the resolution, which has bipartisan support.

Assange secured the right to appeal the extradition order to the United States on espionage charges levied against him but his supporters fear the appeal could take months, describing it as another step in a 13-year “legal nightmare” for Assange and his family.