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H.R.5696 / 113th Congress

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 13, 2014

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of State to report to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest by March 31, 2015, and annually thereafter for 10 years or until the Secretary certifies that Hong Kong has held free and fair elections for 2 consecutive Chief Executive and 2 consecutive Legislative Council periods.

States that it is U.S. policy to:

reaffirm the principles set forth in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992;

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support the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong;

urge China's government to uphold its commitments to Hong Kong;

support the establishment by 2017 of a democratic option to nominate and elect the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of democratic elections for all members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council; and

support freedom of the press.

States that Hong Kong is ineligible for treatment different from that accorded to China under U.S. laws or agreements unless the President certifies to Congress that Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify different treatment.

Authorizes the President to waive such ineligibility if waiver is in the U.S. national interest and Congress is given a justification of the waiver on or before the date it takes effect.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
5 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.5696 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Individual rights and government power

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