Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding to me. He is a valued member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Let me start by thanking Mr. McGovern for his hard work on this legislation. The relationship between the United States and Hong Kong is rooted in our shared values. Among them are a fierce belief in the freedom of speech, and the right to assemble. That is why the American people are so troubled by the images coming out of Hong Kong lately. Hundreds of thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets have been met with increasing violence by the Hong Kong Police Force. These pro-democracy activists faced teargas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets by the police force sworn to supposedly protect them. I remember when China took over Hong Kong from the U.K. and said that they would adhere to a system of two systems in China, and that the people of Hong Kong would have freedom like they had before to speak their mind. And here it is, probably about 20 years later, and that is already being eroded, taken away, and the people of Hong Kong see that they were promised something which isn't being brought forth from the Beijing regime. Mr. McGovern's measure would ensure that American companies are not contributing equipment for the Hong Kong police to use against protesters. This bill also calls on the police to take the steps needed to address those issues from within.…”