Bill · H.R. 2661· House(119-HR-2661)
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
- Introduced
- 4/7/2025
- Last activity
- 4/7/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act," establishes requirements for the Secretary of State regarding the status of Hong Kong's autonomy. It mandates a determination on whether the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices merit continued privileges, exemptions, and immunities. If the Secretary determines these offices no longer merit such status, they must terminate operations within 180 days. The Act also provides a mechanism for Congressional review through disapproval resolutions. Additionally, it limits how United States Government entities can enter into agreements or partnerships with these offices. Finally, it outlines a United States policy regarding the promotion of Hong Kong's autonomy and the prevention of propaganda.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring a detailed report and determination from the Secretary of State regarding the status of Hong Kong's autonomy.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+5
The bill enhances diplomatic engagement by pressuring the Hong Kong government for political reforms and the release of prisoners.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Accountability through Determination: The Secretary of State must provide a separate determination and a detailed report regarding whether the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices merit specific privileges, exemptions, and immunities (Section 2(a)). This ensures a formal review process of the status of these offices.
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Congressional Oversight: The bill establishes a specific process for a "disapproval resolution," allowing either House of Congress to review and potentially overturn the Secretary's determination (Section 2(d)).
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Restrictions on Promoting Undemocratic Actions: The law prevents U.S. Government entities from entering into partnerships that promote efforts to justify dismantling Hong Kong's autonomy or portraying the Chinese government as protecting human rights and civil liberties (Section 3(a)(3)).
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Advocacy for Human Rights: The policy explicitly directs the United States to engage with the Hong Kong government to seek the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary detentions, a free press, fair elections, and an independent judiciary (Section 4(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Operational Termination of Offices: If the Secretary of State determines that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices no longer merit certain privileges, these offices must terminate their operations within 180 days (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Limits on Government Partnerships: United States Government entities are prohibited from entering into agreements with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices if certain conditions regarding the Secretary's determination or the nature of the partnership are not met (Section 3(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5
- 12/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York