WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined S.1838, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, to support the fight for democracy in Hong Kong.  The bill calls for anyone who violates human rights in Hong Kong to be sanctioned and barred from entering the U.S.  It had more than 50 cosponsors in the Senate.

The bill also requires an annual report to Congress on whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China.  The report must address a number of issues, including civil liberties in Hong Kong. 

“China’s reaction to the protests in Hong Kong was a huge mistake.  China’s President Xi Jinping is destroying an economic jewel and inviting the world to see how he governs.  He’s an authoritarian despot,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “This bill makes it clear that China needs to change the way it deals with Hong Kong.”

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