Washington D.C.—Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke on the House Floor in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, legislation that will hold China  accountable for their human rights abuses and their attempts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. After passing both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will now be considered by President Trump.

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-Remarks as Delivered-

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Two months ago, I had the opportunity to join a press conference with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Engel, my colleague Chris Smith, and Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Denise Ho to denounce China’s authoritarian brutality. I said it then and I’ll say it again today, we stand here not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans united in our strong support for Hong Kong. And I’d like to take this opportunity to speak directly to the people of Hong Kong who I know are watching this right now: that America stands with you and America will always support you. We hear you sing our national anthem. We see you carrying our American flag.

This a battle between democracy versus dictatorship, liberty versus tyranny, and freedom versus oppression. This bill sends a clear message to China that there will be consequences to their ruthless and brutal actions. Congress, the United States, and the world will not stand by idly as the Chinese Communist Party fights for itself and not its own people. Again, I want to thank the authors of this bill, and I’m proud to be part of this movement, this cause. We’ve seen quite a bit of response on social media on this bill coming directly from the people of Hong Kong to the Members who are on this floor saying “thank you for standing up for us.”

That is democracy in action. That is what this country stands for and it’s a proud moment, I think for both sides of the aisle as we’re going through this time in our history to be able to stand together for democracy and such a great movement and cause for freedom.” 

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