WASHINGTON – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke today with MSNBC’s Hallie Jackson regarding the Chinese government’s increased crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, including the overnight arrests of multiple leaders organizing another round of rallies that had been planned for Saturday.
“The President once again has not stood up for democracy and human rights,” said Menendez. “That [effort] has become almost eliminated under this administration – one of the hallmarks of U.S. foreign policy and a beacon of light to the rest of the world. We should be saying very clearly to the Chinese that we stand resolutely with Hong Kong and its residents, in its autonomy and independent rights to seek self-governance. But instead of standing in solidarity with them, we see the President once again either silent or willing to trade-off Hong Kong for other interests that he has as it relates to China.”
When the Congress returns to session, Ranking Member Menendez intends to prioritize the consideration of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation pending before the Senate to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
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