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Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

Introduced: November 13, 2014 Introduced by: Smith, Christopher H. Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Nov 13, 2014
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Nov 13, 2014
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of State to report to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest by March 31, 2015, and annually thereafter for 10 years or until the Secretary certifies that Hong Kong has held free and fair elections for 2 consecutive Chief Executive and 2 consecutive Legislative Council periods.

States that it is U.S. policy to:

  • reaffirm the principles set forth in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992;
  • support the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong;
  • urge China's government to uphold its commitments to Hong Kong;
  • support the establishment by 2017 of a democratic option to nominate and elect the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of democratic elections for all members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council; and
  • support freedom of the press.

States that Hong Kong is ineligible for treatment different from that accorded to China under U.S. laws or agreements unless the President certifies to Congress that Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify different treatment.

Authorizes the President to waive such ineligibility if waiver is in the U.S. national interest and Congress is given a justification of the waiver on or before the date it takes effect.

What's happening now November 13, 2014

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1