Senators Push Quick Vote on Hong Kong Bill Despite China Threat

  • Measure would require annual review of special trading status
  • China has threatened ‘strong countermeasures’ if bill enacted
Joshua Wong speaks during a news conference about the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in Washington on Sept. 19.Photographer: Alex Edelman/Bloomberg
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Senators from both parties are keeping up pressure for a swift vote on legislation to show support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong by requiring annual reviews of whether the city is sufficiently autonomous from Beijing to justify its special trading status with the U.S.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican and a sponsor of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, said Tuesday he wants a vote this week.