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H.Res. 277: Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

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H.Res. 277: Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

108th Congress · introduced 2003-06-16 · International Affairs · Latest: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2003-06-16 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-48] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 326 (2003): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, HRES277 (2003-06-26), Passed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Condemns any restriction of the freedom of thought, expression, or association in Hong Kong, consistent with the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. Recognizes that because Hong Kong exercises considerable influence in international affairs, as a developed economy, financial center, trading entrepot and shipping center, reductions in the existing freedom of the Hong Kong people would be of global significance. Urges the Hong Kong Government and the People's Republic of China to withdraw the proposed implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law insofar as it would reduce the basic human freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Calls upon the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress, and any other groups appointed by the Government of China to leave all revisions of Hong Kong law to a legislature elected by universal suffrage. Urges immediate elections for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong according to rules approved by the Hong Kong people through an election-law convention, referendum, or both. Calls upon the Government of China to fully respect the autonomy and independence of the chief executive, the civil service, the judiciary, the police of Hong Kong, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Calls upon the U.S. Government, other governments, the people of the United States, and the people of the world to support freedom in Hong Kong by: (1) making clear statements against any limitations on existing human freedoms in Hong Kong; and (2) transmitting those statements to the people and the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House without amendment), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

A Yea supports adopting this resolution.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House without amendment)

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The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-48] · 28 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ)

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (5)
Legislature
The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).
Referendum
A vote by the public on a law or measure. Texas statewide propositions are how voters decide on constitutional amendments.
Resolution
A formal statement or decision by a legislative body. Simple resolutions often only express an opinion or set rules for one chamber; they do not become law.
Roll-call vote
A vote where each member's position is recorded by name, so the public can see how every member voted. "Yea" means yes, "Nay" means no, "Present" means the member was there but did not take a side.
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong108-hres277 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108