The House passed a resolution on Monday to formally condemn the Chinese and Hong Kong regional governments for actions that “violate the rights and freedoms” of the citizens of the region.
Lawmakers passed the resolution by a vote of 418-1 calling on the Chinese government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to release pro-democracy activists and politicians who have been arrested under last year’s national security law that enacts the decreases the city’s autonomy and imposes harsh punishments on protesters.
By approving this resolution, the House is sending out a strong bipartisan message demanding that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments respect the will of the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to push for democracy and respect for human rights in Hong Kong. Continue. to demonstrate our solidarity with the pro-democracy figures and activists who have made tremendous sacrifices for their city and for their basic human rights, “said the Chair of the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Gregory MeeksGregory Weldon Meeks – EU politician calls on US to implement sanctions on Russian gas pipeline Legislators want Biden to pressure Saudi Arabia to end the blockade of Yemen. (DN.Y.).
ADVERTISEMENT
Rep. Thomas MassieThomas Harold Massie14 Republicans Vote Against Resolution Condemning Military Coup in Myanmar House Approves Bills Tightening Background Checks on Weapons Can Members of Congress Carry Firearms on the Capitol? MORE (R-Ky.) Was the only legislator to vote against the resolution.
Former President TrumpDonald Trump Graham: ‘I couldn’t disagree anymore’ with Trump’s support for troop withdrawal in Afghanistan GOP Believes Democrats Hand Over 2022 Winning Campaign Former GOP Agent Installed As Top NSA Attorney Resigns MORE signed legislation last year imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong, as well as entities that contribute materially to the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Monday’s vote came days after a Hong Kong court sentenced several pro-democracy activists to jail on charges of unauthorized assembly. Among the convicted activists was Jimmy Lai, a media mogul whose company publishes a newspaper openly critical of the Chinese regime.
Minority leader in the Senate Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell Trump Looms Over Senate’s Anti-Asian Fight Against Hate Crimes Appointing a Credible, Nonpartisan Commission Jan 6 Should Not Be Difficult Why President Biden Is All-In On Infrastructure MORE (R-Ky.) Condemned the prison terms in a speech on the Senate floor earlier Monday.
“I hope you keep a close eye on global business and government leaders who have not yet spoken out. If Beijing is comfortable treating Hong Kongers in this way, just think how little attention is paid to the [Chinese government] will demonstrate for basic international standards, ”McConnell said.