Chair Cardin Introduces Bill to Center U.S. Policy toward Hong Kong on its People

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024. The legislation updates the 1992 Hong Kong Policy Act to formally end Hong Kong's special treatment under U.S. law and prioritizes the Hong Kong people and their struggle for democracy and human rights. It mandates accountability for officials in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong governments responsible for human rights abuses, leveraging diplomatic and economic tools to press for restored autonomy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. The bill also calls for enhanced multilateral cooperation with allies to pressure Beijing to restore the autonomy and freedoms once guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong.

"The United States must strengthen and update its policy to counter the PRC and Hong Kong governments' erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and democratic values," said Chair Cardin. "It is essential to stand with the people of Hong Kong as they fight for their basic freedoms - both at home and abroad. The Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024 equips our country with the tools needed to protect U.S. interests, promote human rights, and provide relief to those fleeing persecution, supporting a future where the people of Hong Kong can live in freedom and dignity."

Key provisions of the Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024 include:

• Codifying into U.S. law that Hong Kong will no longer receive differential treatment from the PRC except in certain circumstances.
• Allocating resources for the State Department to advance democracy, human rights, civilian security, and Internet freedom in Hong Kong, including advocacy for prisoners of conscience.
• Requiring regular updates to the Hong Kong Business Advisory and a report on Hong Kong government requests to U.S. companies for content removal or law enforcement cooperation.
• Mandating an annual certification by the Secretary of State assessing Hong Kong's autonomy and recommending whether differential treatment under U.S. law should be reconsidered.
• Establishing legal pathways for Hong Kong residents to immigrate to the United States and temporary protected status for those currently residing in the U.S.

A copy of the Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024 is available HERE.

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