Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1103, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith). Hong Kong was once a shining beacon in Asia and the gateway into China, known for its economic freedom, rule of law, and vibrant civil society. Tragically, this ended when the Chinese Communist Party crushed democracy and free enterprise in Hong Kong. People of all walks of life, and much international capital, have fled this authoritarian wave, and the city has never been the same. We cannot allow the CCP to use Hong Kong's former legitimacy as a continuing gateway into U.S. systems. Both Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary Blinken have certified that because of the Chinese Communist Party's control over Hong Kong's legislature, judicial system, and police force, Hong Kong can no longer be considered a separate entity from the People's Republic of China. We must adjust our treatment of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices to match the sad current reality. This bill would require the President to annually certify whether those offices should be covered by the International Organizations Immunities Act. If certification is not granted, they must terminate their operations in the United States. The bipartisan membership of the Foreign Affairs Committee voted unanimously in favor of this bill at our markup last year. Mr.…”