House sends bill supporting Hong Kong protesters to Trump

Source: Politico | November 20, 2019 | Doug Palmer

The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong, one day after a unanimous vote in the Senate drew condemnation from Beijing as an unwarranted interference in its domestic affairs.

The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. The White House had no comment on the legislation after the 417-1 House vote. Trump is expected to sign the legislation even though it could further complicate his efforts to reach a preliminary trade deal with China, after the bill garnered veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

“Today, the Congress is sending an unmistakable message to the world that the United States stands in solidarity with freedom-loving people of Hong Kong, and we fully support their fight for freedom,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during consideration of the bill.

House members on both sides of aisle brushed off a warning from a Chinese government spokesperson that “China will have to take strong countermeasures to defend our national sovereignty, security and development interests if the U.S. continues to make the wrong moves.”

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the secretary of State to certify, at least once a year, whether Hong Kong continues to have enough control over its own affairs to warrant maintaining its special trade status under U.S. law.

It would also empower the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or Chinese officials who take actions that violate human rights.

“I urge the president to sign this critical bill into law as soon as possible,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a statement after the House vote, reflecting the view of many lawmakers.

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  • Consistent #33565

    EVERYDAY #33579

    Trump will sign it. He has shown he will sign any bill, including congressional spending spree bills.

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