Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Ranking Member Engel for authorizing this important measure on Hong Kong, the city once known as the Pearl of the Orient. I commend the gentleman for strongly advocating for Hong Kong's continued adherence to the ``one country, two systems'' policy that has allowed for Hong Kong's autonomy and prosperity for so long. I was happy to join him as an original cosponsor of this important measure. During a recent trip that I led to Hong Kong, I heard firsthand how measures like this are helpful in keeping the pressure on Beijing to keep its commitment to the Joint Declaration. Twenty years have now passed since the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. At the time, the U.S. Congress played a vital role in the continuity of the U.S. relationship with Hong Kong by passing the Hong Kong Policy Act in 1992. This act established that the U.S. would treat Hong Kong as a nonsovereign entity distinct from China on commercial, cultural, and law enforcement matters so long as it remained ``sufficiently autonomous.'' Since the handover, Hong Kong has continued to be a global economic force and a financial hub. In recent years, however, it has also begun to face increased social, economic, and political challenges, including external pressures. Mr.…”