Ben Cardin actually said...

"You do not have the autonomy unless you have the right to select your leader."

"I think the United States continues to be quite inconsistent about issues about political rights and democracy in Hong Kong and China."

"Hong Kong's special status in economic power in large part depends on an open relationship with the United States."

"I would ask, Mr. Chairman, that nothing in the legislation should undermine the principle that Hong Kong is autonomous."