Political Quotes

“Madam President, let me first thank Senator Rubio for his leadership on this issue and Senator Menendez and Senator Risch for their leadership in our committee and so many others who have been involved, because tonight we have a chance to reaffirm our commitment for human rights and democracy. That is exactly what our legislation does. It recognizes the fact that for 24 consecutive weeks, the people of Hong Kong have been asking for their basic democracy and freedom. On Monday, it was reported--just yesterday--that police fired 1,458 rounds of tear gas, 1,391 rubber bullets, 325 beanbag rounds, and 265 sponge grenades--that is just yesterday--on peaceful protesters. They are asking nothing more than to exercise the rights they were told would be protected to express their views and to be able to have democracy in Hong Kong, which is the way it was in the previous time. Senator Rubio and I introduced legislation, and the chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Risch and Menendez, joined us, and we passed this bipartisan legislation on June 13. It reaffirms the principles set forth in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, which supports democratization, human rights, and the autonomy of Hong Kong. Now, Senator Rubio already talked about this, but this is a very important thing.…”