James Risch (R-ID)
A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.
A Republican resolution with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 12 cosponsors
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution condemns the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong government for destroying Hong Kong's democracy, autonomy, and rule of law. It addresses the impact of the "Hong Kong national security law" and the "Safeguarding National Security Ordinance" on fundamental freedoms. The text highlights the targeting of pro-democracy activists, journalists, and media such as Apple Daily. It calls for the immediate release of all defendants, including Jimmy Lai, and the dropping of related charges. Additionally, the resolution expresses concern regarding Hong Kong's role in sanctions evasion and its impact on the international order. Finally, it urges the United States and other governments to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The resolution advocates for the protection of freedom of expression and the release of those prosecuted for exercising it.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the right to vote?
The resolution encourages adjusting multilateral voting procedures to accurately reflect the loss of Hong Kong's autonomy.
- Scored +4
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The resolution defends individuals against politically motivated charges used to suppress political expression.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The resolution mentions new immigration laws in Hong Kong that subject residents and nationals to exit bans.
- Scored -3
Does this change how police departments operate?
The text notes that the Hong Kong Police Force has used excessive force against protestors.
- Scored -2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The resolution states that the erosion of legal environments undermines Hong Kong's status as an attractive business center.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for fundamental rights: The resolution supports the people of Hong Kong in their fight to exercise freedoms guaranteed by the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Section 3)
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Call for the release of detainees: The resolution calls upon the Hong Kong government to immediately drop all sedition, national security law, and Article 23-related charges and free all defendants, specifically mentioning Jimmy Lai. (Section 5)
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Accountability through sanctions: The resolution urges the United States Government to use all available tools, including those authorized by the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, to respond to the actions of the Government of the People's Republic of China. (Section 8)
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Recognition of voting power issues: The resolution encourages the United States and other governments to ensure that voting procedures at multilateral institutions recognize that there is no longer a meaningful distinction between Hong Kong and mainland China. (Section 7)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risks to Hong Kong residents: The "Safeguarding National Security Ordinance" (Article 23 Ordinance) creates risks for Hong Kong residents who interact with foreigners. (Whereas, sixth paragraph)
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Impact on citizens and foreign nationals: New immigration laws in Hong Kong subject Hong Kong citizens, residents, PRC nationals, and foreign nationals to exit bans. (Whereas, fifth paragraph)
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Targeting of non-citizens: The Government of the People's Republic of China uses the national security law and Article 23 Ordinance to harass, target, and threaten non-Hong Kong citizens and those outside of Hong Kong. (Whereas, seventh paragraph)
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Punitive measures against overseas persons: The Article 23 Ordinance authorized new punitive measures targeting Hong Kong citizens and non-citizens overseas. (Whereas, sixth paragraph)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The resolution advocates for the protection of freedom of expression and the release of those prosecuted for exercising it. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The resolution defends individuals against politically motivated charges used to suppress political expression. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution seeks to bring global attention to the lack of judicial independence and transparency in Hong Kong.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution notes that many protestors targeted by the state were under the age of 30. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The resolution mentions new immigration laws in Hong Kong that subject residents and nationals to exit bans. Would business owners be better off under this? — The resolution states that the erosion of legal environments undermines Hong Kong's status as an attractive business center.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The resolution calls for international solidarity and collective accountability against the Chinese Communist Party's actions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the right to vote? — The resolution encourages adjusting multilateral voting procedures to accurately reflect the loss of Hong Kong's autonomy. Does this change how police departments operate? — The text notes that the Hong Kong Police Force has used excessive force against protestors.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The resolution highlights the erosion of the regulatory and judicial environments that previously protected business interests in Hong Kong.
- 4/29/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 4/28/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.
- 4/3/2025
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- 3/27/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 3/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/26/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1400-1401)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Maggie HassanDemocrat · New Hampshire
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Mitch McConnellRepublican · Kentucky
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Todd YoungRepublican · Indiana