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Bill Enacted

This bill was enacted into law on 2019-11-27

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Main Subject: International Affairs

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 This bill directs various departments to assess whether political developments in Hong Kong justify changing Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a largely separate legal and economic system.) The Department of State shall report annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment. The report shall address issues including (1) civil liberties in Hong Kong, and (2) how any erosion to Hong Kong's autonomy impacts areas of U.S.-Hong Kong cooperation. The Department of Commerce shall report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. If the President determines that Hong Kong has proposed or enacted legislation that puts U.S. citizens at risk of extradition to mainland China or to another country that lacks defendants' rights protections, the President shall report to Congress on (1) a strategy for protecting U.S. citizens and businesses in Hong Kong, and (2) whether Hong Kong is legally competent to administer various law enforcement agreements between Hong Kong and the United States. The State Department may not deny work- or student-visa applications from an otherwise qualified Hong Kong resident due to a politically motivated adverse action by the Hong Kong government against the applicant. The President shall report to Congress a list of individuals responsible for committing acts that violate internationally recognized human rights in Hong Kong, including the extrajudicial rendition or torture of any person in Hong Kong. The bill bars such individuals from entering the United States and imposes sanctions on them.

Library of Congress Actions

President
Nov. 27 2019	Became Public Law No: 116-76. Signed by President.
Nov. 21 2019	Presented to President.

BecameLaw
Nov. 27 2019	Became Public Law No: 116-76. Signed by President.

Floor
Nov. 20 2019	Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 1 (Roll no. 635).(text: CR H9089-9092)
Nov. 19 2019	Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S6657-6660)

House floor actions Actions

Floor

Nov. 21
2019

Presented to President.

Nov. 20
2019

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 1 (Roll no. 635). (text: CR H9089-9092)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H9100)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1838.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9089-9096)
Mr. Engel moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.

Senate Actions

Floor
Nov. 20 2019	Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Nov. 19 2019	Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S6657-6660) The committee amendment withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (CR S6657)