Last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., teamed up with two other Republicans in the U.S. Senate to bring out a bill condemning Communist China’s continued efforts to crack down on human rights in Hong Kong.
Scott joined U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tex., on the “Hong Kong Be Water Act.” The bill sanctions Hong Kong authorities and Chinese officials who “are denying human rights to the people of Hong Kong under orders from President Xi.” Hawley introduced the bill with Scott and Cornyn as cosponsors.
On Thursday, Scott weighed in on the proposal.
“During my trip to Hong Kong earlier this month, I met with protesters who are fighting to regain the freedom they were promised by Communist China. I heard horrible stories of police brutality, threats, and intimidation. As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. I’m proud to sponsor the Hong Kong Be Water Act as we stand with the brave Hong Kongers fighting for freedom and basic human rights that are being suppressed by Communist China,” Scott said.
“During my recent visit to Hong Kong, I was alarmed by how quickly the situation has deteriorated. Protesters told me it was important to ‘be water’ — meaning, move quickly and be fluid when confronted by police. Make no mistake about it: Hong Kong is rapidly becoming a police state. We must send a signal to the world that the United States will stand with Hongkongers as they stand up to the Chinese Communist Party,” Hawley said.
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee last week. So far, there is no companion bill over in the U.S. House.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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