summary
Introduced
09/27/2017
09/27/2017
In Committee
11/29/2017
11/29/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018
12/31/2018
Introduced Session
115th Congress
Bill Summary
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Department of State to report to Congress (within 90 days and annually thereafter through 2023) on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest. Such report shall include matters in which Hong Kong is given separate treatment under U.S. laws from that accorded to China. The State Department shall certify to Congress annually 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. The President shall identify persons responsible for: (1) the surveillance, abduction, detention, or forced confessions of certain booksellers and journalists in Hong Kong; and (2) other actions suppressing basic freedoms. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny U.S. entry to identified individuals and revoke visas or other entry documentation. Entry, work, or study visa applicants who resided in Hong Kong in 2014 shall not be denied visas on the basis of the applicant's arrest or detention or other adverse government action taken as a result of participation in the nonviolent protest activities related to Hong Kong's electoral process. The President shall freeze the U.S.-based assets of identified individuals.
AI Summary
This bill, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017, aims to reinstate reporting requirements related to U.S.-Hong Kong relations. The key provisions are:
- It directs the State Department to report annually to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong, including matters in which Hong Kong is given separate treatment under U.S. laws from China.
- It requires the State Department to certify annually whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment from China in any new U.S. laws, agreements, or arrangements.
- It identifies persons responsible for the surveillance, abduction, detention, or forced confessions of certain booksellers and journalists in Hong Kong, and imposes visa bans and asset freezes on those individuals.
- It states that visa applications from Hong Kong residents in 2014 should not be denied on the basis of their participation in Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.
- It requires the President to freeze the U.S.-based assets of identified individuals responsible for suppressing rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.
The overall aim is to support Hong Kong's democratic development and autonomy, and to hold Chinese and Hong Kong officials accountable for human rights abuses.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. (on 11/29/2017)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3856/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr3856/BILLS-115hr3856ih.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr3856/BILLS-115hr3856ih.pdf.pdf |
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