U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) on Nov. 1 proposed a bipartisan bill that would require a review of whether sanctions should be imposed on various Hong Kong officials who may have committed human rights violations.
“I am proud to lead the Hong Kong Sanctions Act so the United States can take strong, decisive action to support the freedom-loving people of Hong Kong and hold officials accountable in violation of human rights,” Rep. Kim said.
Specifically, the Hong Kong Sanctions Act, H.R. 6153, which Rep. Kim sponsored alongside cosponsors Rep. Curtis and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), would require the president to make such determinations and whether sanctions should be imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.
“Jimmy Lai’s case is unfortunately just the latest example of Beijing exploiting its national security law to exert control of Hong Kongers,” said Rep. Kim, referring to the jailed pro-democracy activist and former media tycoon who is imprisoned in Hong Kong for his anti-Communist China Party efforts.
“I am pleased to join with my colleagues to shine a light on those responsible for the deterioration of freedom in Hong Kong and the persecution of pro-democracy activists,” Rep. Curtis said. “The United States has laws to sanction bad actors and we ask the administration to review Hong Kong’s judicial system officials to see if they meet the criteria.”
Rep. McGovern pointed out that the national security law imposed by the People’s Republic of China in 2020 delivered a body blow to human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.
“U.S. law already authorizes sanctions on the officials responsible for enforcing that unjust law,” he said. “Our bill simply asks the administration to explain whether certain officials meet the criteria for sanctions in light of their alleged actions that violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. America must stand with Hong Kong’s brave activists who are being repressed for defending human rights and democracy.”
U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced companion legislation in their chamber, according to Rep. Kim’s office.