Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his very moving and profound statement on democracy and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. I thank the chairman for his leadership for bringing this important legislation to the floor. I thank the ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for his leadership, as well, on an ongoing basis on this important issue and for his courtesy for yielding back. It is always an honor to be with Chris Smith, we have been working on these issues together for 30 years--a very long time--to demonstrate the bipartisan nature of the support that we have for democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, in the House, and in the Senate, bicameral and bipartisan. Mr. Speaker, Friday was a sad day and a disturbing day for the people of Hong Kong and for all freedom-loving people as sentences were handed down to Martin Lee, a global champion of human rights, and to other pro-democracy leaders for engaging in peaceful protests. This afternoon, 3 days after that distressing development, I had the privilege to speak with activists from the Hong Kong Democracy Council. It was an inspiration to hear how they and the people of Hong Kong are responding to China's crackdown with great courage; how the dream of real autonomy cannot be extinguished by injustice or intimidation.…”