S.Res.98 - Condemning Beijing’s destruction of Hong Kong’s democracy and rule of law. (119th Congress)
Summary
Senate Resolution 98 condemns Beijing's actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. It highlights China's violation of the "one country, two systems" principle since the 1997 handover. The resolution specifically criticizes the Hong Kong national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
Expected Effects
The resolution expresses the Senate's support for the people of Hong Kong and urges other governments to hold China accountable. It also encourages the US government to use available tools, including sanctions, to respond to China's actions. This could lead to increased diplomatic pressure and potential economic sanctions against individuals and entities involved in undermining Hong Kong's autonomy.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens the U.S.'s commitment to human rights and democracy internationally.
- Potentially deters further erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by signaling U.S. disapproval.
- Could lead to sanctions that hold specific individuals accountable for human rights abuses.
- Reinforces the importance of international agreements and the rule of law.
- Supports Hong Kong residents fighting for their fundamental rights.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain U.S.-China relations, potentially impacting trade and other diplomatic efforts.
- Sanctions could have unintended economic consequences for Hong Kong and the U.S.
- May not be effective in altering China's policies in Hong Kong.
- Could be perceived as interference in China's internal affairs.
- The resolution is non-binding, limiting its direct impact.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
While the resolution itself doesn't directly implicate specific clauses of the US Constitution, it aligns with the broader principles of promoting liberty and justice. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and assembly, rights that the resolution seeks to protect for the people of Hong Kong. Congress's power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8) could be relevant if sanctions are imposed.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).