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Bill113th CongressFiled Nov 13, 2014International Affairs
S. 2922

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

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What it doesSummary reported to senate with amendment(s) (Dec 11, 2014)

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - 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.

Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of State to report by March 31, 2015, to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest, 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.

Directs the Secretary to certify annually to Congress whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong.

Exempts from the certification requirement new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements that support human rights, rule of law, or democracy in Hong Kong.

Authorizes the Secretary to waive the certification requirement if in U.S. national interests, and with congressional notification.

What just happenedDec 12, 2014

By Senator Menendez from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 113-313.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH](D-OH)Sponsor
5 cosponsors3 D2 R
Read on Congress.gov
5cosponsors1committees8actions1related bills14subjects
  • Reported to SenateDec 11, 2014
  • Introduced in SenateNov 13, 2014
  1. Dec 12, 2014Floor

    By Senator Menendez from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 113-313.

  2. Dec 12, 2014Committee14900

    By Senator Menendez from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 113-313.

  3. Dec 11, 2014Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 651.

  4. Dec 11, 2014Committee

    Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment. Without written report.

  5. Dec 11, 2014Committee14000

    Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment. Without written report.

  6. Dec 11, 2014Committee

    Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

  7. Nov 13, 2014IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  8. Nov 13, 2014IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)Dec 11, 20141

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - 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.

Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of State to report by March 31, 2015, to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest, 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.

Directs the Secretary to certify annually to Congress whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong.

Exempts from the certification requirement new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements that support human rights, rule of law, or democracy in Hong Kong.

Authorizes the Secretary to waive the certification requirement if in U.S. national interests, and with congressional notification.

Introduced in SenateNov 13, 2014

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: (1) waiver is in the U.S. national interest, and (2) Congress is given a justification of the waiver on or before the date it takes effect.

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act — Informed