Hong Kong human rights bill clears US Congress, is sent to Donald Trump to sign into law
- Vote was an overwhelming 417-1 in favour of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
- Trump is expected to sign the legislation, Bloomberg reports
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Senate’s version of legislation that could pave the way for diplomatic action and economic sanctions against Hong Kong, moving the bill to US President Donald Trump.
He is expected to sign the bill into law, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The House vote on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act was 417-1, said Jeff Sagnip, press secretary for Representative Chris Smith, a sponsor of the bill.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously on Tuesday.
The legislation includes a requirement that the US government produce an annual report, certified by the secretary of state, that Hong Kong has retained enough autonomy from China to continue the city’s distinct trading status.
That distinction protects Hong Kong from the punitive tariffs Washington placed on goods from China last year.