Gallagher, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Condemn Proposed National Security Law in Hong Kong

Press Release

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), alongside 16 of his House colleagues, today introduced a resolution to condemn the Chinese Communist Party's proposed national security law in Hong Kong. The proposed law would ban secession, subversion, and foreign interference, and would radically upend the "one party, two systems" structure. In addition to denouncing the proposal, the resolution calls for the Free World to stand with Hong Kong and states unequivocally that the proposal puts Beijing in direct violation of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) yesterday introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. Click HERE to view text of the resolution.

"In Hong Kong, the Chinese Communist Party is testing the free world," said Rep. Gallagher. "If we fail to hold the Chinese government to its obligations to the people of Hong Kong, we will be condemning the city to the Party's totalitarian rule and inviting further escalation elsewhere, including Taiwan. The free world must stand united with Hongkongers in defense of their basic rights and liberty."

The resolution was co-sponsored by Reps. Liz Cheney (R-WY), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA), Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX).

"The Chinese Communist Party's imposition of direct rule on the people of Hong Kong represents a direct violation of the foundations of the 1997 Handover Agreement and disintegrates any autonomy the island territory might have once held. The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong in their fight for liberty and freedom from oppression. With this move, China has singlehandedly ensured another summer of protest, violence, and unrest. One country, two systems, no more," said Rep. Yoho.

"Hong Kong's autonomous status cannot be compromised by the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP's national security law would not only violate existing obligations between Hong Kong and the international community, but their actions would have a massive impact on everything from free speech to cyber security. The CCP is clearly trying to take advantage of Hong Kong during this pandemic in hopes that the rest of the world doesn't notice. We see what they're doing, and it cannot stand," said Rep. Hurd.

"The Hong Kong national security law proposed by the Government of the People's Republic of China is a gross violation of the rights of those who want freedom in Hong Kong. I am proud to sponsor this resolution and stand with the people of Hong Kong during their time of need," said Rep. Riggleman.

"The Chinese Communist Party thinks they can crack down on their dissidents while the world is focused on combatting COVID-19," said Congressman Reschenthaler. "I am proud to join Congressman Mike Gallagher and Senators Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton to introduce this resolution that supports the brave men and women seeking freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. Hong Kong must remain free from the CCP's tyranny."

"Communist China's leaders' latest attempted power grab is nothing short of a complete authoritarian takeover of Hong Kong under the guise of 'national security'. This proposed CCP law aimed to strip away the people of Hong Kong's fundamental rights and freedoms amid a global pandemic is appalling and should not be tolerated by the United States," said Rep. Wright. "I want to thank Rep. Gallagher for introducing this resolution reaffirming our strong commitment to the people of Hong Kong as they continue to fight tyranny and oppression."

Earlier this year, Rep. Gallagher introduced the Hong Kong Be Water Act, which condemns the CCP's past violations of Hong Kongers freedoms of speech, assembly, and demonstration, and calls for the imposition of Global Magnitsky sanctions and other financial penalties for those who have been complicit in violating the rights of those in Hong Kong. He also wrote in Real Clear World last year calling the situation with Hong Kong a test for the Free World.