US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SR98

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  

Caption

A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

Impact

The bill encourages international governments to hold China accountable and commits to supporting the rights and freedoms of the people in Hong Kong. It calls for the immediate release of political prisoners and highlights the international community's need to take a stand against the PRC's aggressive policies that threaten the autonomy of Hong Kong. This bill aims to impact not only the internal legislative landscape of Hong Kong and China but also extends to international diplomatic relations as it seeks to draw attention to human rights abuses and to advocate for systemic changes in response to such violations.

Summary

SR98 is a resolution that condemns the actions taken by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The resolution cites the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, both of which are viewed as oppressive measures that infringe on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. The resolution highlights the use of these laws to intimidate, arrest, and silence political dissent, as well as to suppress the freedoms of assembly and speech that Hong Kong citizens previously enjoyed under the 'one country, two systems' principle established during the handover from Britain to China in 1997.

Contention

Notably, the resolution reflects deep divisions regarding foreign policy towards China. Supporters advocate for a stern stance in favor of human rights and democracy, while detractors express concerns about the potential for escalating tensions and need for careful diplomatic engagement. The inclusion of references to specific incidents, such as the persecution of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, exemplifies specific points of contention surrounding the law’s implementation and perceived injustices, as well as the broader geopolitical implications involving Taiwan and international law.

Congress_id

119-SRES-98

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-02-26

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR930

Commemorating the 78th birthday of Jimmy Lai on December 8, 2025, as "Jimmy Lai Day", for his role in advocating for free press, religious freedom, and democracy in Hong Kong, and calling on the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities to release Jimmy Lai and all other Hong Kong prodemocracy advocates from prison.

US HR470

Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

US SR226

A resolution condemning the Government of the People's Republic of China for engaging in transnational repression.

US HR130

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in condemning the Government of the People's Republic of China for its harassment and efforts to intimidate American citizens and other individuals on United States soil with the goal of suppressing speech and narratives the People's Republic of China finds unwelcome.

US HB2522

To designate the area between the intersections of 18th Street Northwest and Church Street Northwest, and 18th Street Northwest and P Street Northwest, in the District of Columbia as "Jimmy Lai Way", and for other purposes.

US SR7

A RESOLUTION condemning all acts of political violence and affirming the civil and peaceful exercise of democracy.

US SB3655

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

US HB2661

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

US SR677

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US SR715

A resolution recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of "World Press Freedom Day" on May 3, 2026.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.