A resolution condemning the arrest of Cardinal Zen in Hong Kong, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to supporting democracy, autonomy, religious freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong.

12/29/2022, 1:34 PM

Summary of Bill SRES 821

Bill 117 S.Res. 821 is a resolution introduced in the US Senate that condemns the arrest of Cardinal Zen in Hong Kong. The resolution also reaffirms the Senate's commitment to supporting democracy, autonomy, religious freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong.

Cardinal Zen, a prominent Catholic leader in Hong Kong, was arrested by Chinese authorities for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government's crackdown on pro-democracy activists in the region. The resolution expresses concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong and calls for the release of Cardinal Zen and other political prisoners.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic principles, autonomy, religious freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong, which have come under increasing threat from the Chinese government in recent years. It calls on the US government to continue to support the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Overall, Bill 117 S.Res. 821 is a strong statement of support for the people of Hong Kong and a condemnation of the Chinese government's actions in the region. It underscores the Senate's commitment to promoting democracy, autonomy, religious freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong and calls for the release of Cardinal Zen and other political prisoners.

Congressional Summary of SRES 821

This resolution condemns the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen (a Roman Catholic bishop emeritus of Hong Kong) by the Hong Kong authorities at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party.

The resolution calls for all charges to be immediately dropped against Cardinal Zen.

The resolution reaffirms religious freedom as a fundamental right.

Finally, the resolution also urges the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to cease targeting Hong Kong's civil society and to immediately release and drop all charges against all political prisoners who have been unjustly detained and charged.

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Current Status of Bill SRES 821

Bill SRES 821 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 29, 2022. Bill SRES 821 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on September 29, 2022. Bill SRES 821's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S5559) as of September 29, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill SRES 821

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill SRES 821

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill SRES 821

A resolution condemning the arrest of Cardinal Zen in Hong Kong, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to supporting democracy, autonomy, religious freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong.