Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR98

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  

Caption

A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

Impact

The bill encourages international governments to hold China accountable and commits to supporting the rights and freedoms of the people in Hong Kong. It calls for the immediate release of political prisoners and highlights the international community's need to take a stand against the PRC's aggressive policies that threaten the autonomy of Hong Kong. This bill aims to impact not only the internal legislative landscape of Hong Kong and China but also extends to international diplomatic relations as it seeks to draw attention to human rights abuses and to advocate for systemic changes in response to such violations.

Summary

SR98 is a resolution that condemns the actions taken by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The resolution cites the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, both of which are viewed as oppressive measures that infringe on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. The resolution highlights the use of these laws to intimidate, arrest, and silence political dissent, as well as to suppress the freedoms of assembly and speech that Hong Kong citizens previously enjoyed under the 'one country, two systems' principle established during the handover from Britain to China in 1997.

Contention

Notably, the resolution reflects deep divisions regarding foreign policy towards China. Supporters advocate for a stern stance in favor of human rights and democracy, while detractors express concerns about the potential for escalating tensions and need for careful diplomatic engagement. The inclusion of references to specific incidents, such as the persecution of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, exemplifies specific points of contention surrounding the law’s implementation and perceived injustices, as well as the broader geopolitical implications involving Taiwan and international law.

Congress_id

119-SRES-98

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-02-26

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SR106

A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

US HR636

Condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

US SR237

A resolution remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

US HR1274

Responding to the promulgation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, under Article 23 of the Basic Law, by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on March 19, 2024.

US SR688

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US HR462

Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

US HR1277

Responding to the promulgation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, under Article 23 of the Basic Law, by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on March 19, 2024.

US SB5454

A bill to update the United States policy towards Hong Kong, and for other purposes.

US SR715

A resolution remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, and condemning the widespread repression against citizens, the transnational repression against activists and other individuals, and the systematic efforts to undermine human rights norms within and outside of the United Nations system by the People's Republic of China.

US SR191

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.

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