Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Oct 2019): Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 243.
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 3289, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, would require the Secretary of State to annually certify whether Hong Kong maintains sufficient autonomy from China to justify different treatment under U.S. laws and agreements. It also proposes that visa applications from Hong Kong residents should not be denied solely due to politically motivated arrests or actions taken against them for participating in protests. Additionally, the bill would mandate reports on Hong Kong's enforcement of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
The bill directly affects individuals and entities involved in Hong Kong's political and economic activities, as well as U.S. government agencies responsible for foreign policy and visa processing. It aims to protect U.S. citizens and businesses in Hong Kong and to draw attention to potential threats to the city's autonomy and human rights. The bill also includes provisions for sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for undermining Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy.
H.R. 3289 passed the House of Representatives on October 15, 2019, by voice vote. Its next step in the legislative process would be consideration by the Senate. The official summary notes that provisions of this bill were incorporated into other enacted legislation.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019
This bill addresses Hong Kong's status under U.S. law and imposes sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a largely separate legal and economic system.)
The Department of State shall certify annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong warrants its unique treatment under various treaties, agreements, and U.S. law. The analysis shall evaluate whether Hong Kong is upholding the rule of law and protecting rights enumerated in various documents, including (1) the agreement between the United Kingdom and China regarding Hong Kong's return to China, and (2) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The bill extends existing annual reporting requirements on matters of U.S. interest in Hong Kong through 2027 and expands such reports to include assessments of (1) limits to Hong Kong's autonomy, either self-imposed or due to China's actions; and (2) whether rescission of Hong Kong's special treatment would further erode Hong Kong's autonomy.
The President shall annually report to Congress on Hong Kong's enforcement of U.S. export controls, including whether items of U.S. origin have been used for mass surveillance in China and whether Hong Kong has been used to evade sanctions on North Korea or Iran.
The State Department shall notify Congress if any proposed or enacted law in Hong Kong negatively impacts U.S. interests, including by putting U.S. citizens at risk of rendition to China.
The President shall impose property and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for gross human rights violations in Hong Kong.
Timeline
16 Oct 2019
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 243.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3289 do?
- This bill, H.R. 3289, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, would require the Secretary of State to annually certify whether Hong Kong maintains sufficient autonomy from China to justify different treatment under U.S. laws and agreements. It also proposes that visa applications from Hong Kong residents should not be denied solely due to politically motivated arrests or actions taken against them for participating in protests. Additionally, the bill would mandate reports on Hong Kong's enforcement of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. The bill directly affects individuals and entities involved in Hong Kong's political and economic activities, as well as U.S. government agencies responsible for foreign policy and visa processing. It aims to protect U.S. citizens and businesses in Hong Kong and to draw attention to potential threats to the city's autonomy and human rights. The bill also includes provisions for sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for undermining Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy. H.R. 3289 passed the House of Representatives on October 15, 2019, by voice vote. Its next step in the legislative process would be consideration by the Senate. The official summary notes that provisions of this bill were incorporated into other enacted legislation.
- Has H.R. 3289 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3289. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3289?
- H.R. 3289 was sponsored by Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] (R-NJ), with 47 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3289?
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 243. (16 Oct 2019).
Related bills in International Affairs
Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.
To provide for a limitation on contributions to the United Nations.
Recognizing the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, honoring the victims and the hostages, and calling for the complete disarmament of Hamas for a durable end to the war in Gaza.
Reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued cooperation between the United States and Germany.
More bills from Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
No PRC Seafood in Congress Act
Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2026
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.