11.20.19

McConnell Celebrates Passage of Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

‘I was proud to speak out on this back in the summer when the protests began. I was proud to secure important policy steps for Hong Kong in the State and Foreign Ops Subcommittee back in September. And I am proud that senators approved these further steps to update that original law to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy and provide more tools for holding Beijing accountable.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding unanimous Senate support for the people of Hong Kong:

“Yesterday, the United States Senate spoke up forcefully and clearly for the brave people of Hong Kong. We unanimously passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.

“As the author of the original United States - Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, and somebody who has advocated for Hong Kongers for decades, I was proud to speak out on this back in the summer when the protests began. I was proud to secure important policy steps for Hong Kong in the State and Foreign Ops Subcommittee back in September. And I am proud that senators approved these further steps to update that original law to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy and provide more tools for holding Beijing accountable.

“I want to thank the senior senator from Florida, all the other members who led on this issue, and all of our colleagues for securing unanimous passage.

“While this bill moves forward, it is also important for the executive branch and our allies and partners around the world to fulfill their roles as well.

“Even before this new bill becomes law, Congress has already given the administration significant powers to act, including authorities to directly sanction individuals who violate human rights. And I urge every trading nation around the world to look clearly at Hong Kong, and at Xinjiang, and imagine the costs as China continues to entrench its surveillance state and export it around the world.

“The Senate continues to do our part. Everyone else must do theirs as well. The United States and the world must stand with Hong Kong.”

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