The House on Monday adopted a decision to formally condemn the Chinese government and local government in Hong Kong for actions that violate the rights and freedoms of the region’s citizens.
Legislators adopted the resolution by a 418-1 vote calling on the Chinese government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to release pro-democracy activists and politicians arrested under national law security introduced last year, which reduces the city’s autonomy and imposes severe penalties on protesters.
“By adopting this resolution, the House is sending a strong dual message demanding that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments respect the will of the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to strive for democracy and respect for human rights in Hong Kong. We will continue to demonstrate that we stand in solidarity with the pro-democracy figures and activists who have made tremendous sacrifices for their city and for their core human rights, ‘said the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Gregory Meeks
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Rep. Thomas Massie
Thomas Harold Massie 14 Republicans vote against the resolution condemning the military coup in Myanmar. The House is approving bills that would tighten background checks on guns. Can members of Congress carry firearms on the Capitol complex? MORE (R-Ky.) Was the only legislature to vote against the resolution.
Former President Trump
Donald TrumpGraham: ‘I could no longer agree’ with Trump’s support for the withdrawal of Afghanistan troops. GOP believes the Democrats will hand them over in the 2022 campaign. Former GOP agent installed as NSA’s top lawyer resigns MORE signed legislation last year imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong, as well as entities that make a significant contribution to the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.
The vote Monday was days after a Hong Kong court jailed several pro-democracy activists on charges of unauthorized assembly. Among the convicted activists was Jimmy Lai, a media magnate whose company publishes a newspaper that is openly critical of the Chinese government.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump awaits fight against Senate Asian hate crimes The appointment of a credible, non-partisan commission on January 6 should not be difficult. Why President Biden is more into infrastructure (R-Ky.) Condemned the jail sentence during a Senate speech earlier Monday.
“To the global business leaders and government leaders who have not yet spoken out, I hope you are watching closely. If Beijing feels comfortable treating Hong Kongers this way, just think how little the [Chinese government] will show for basic international norms, ‘McConnell said.