Hultgren Named to Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Press Release

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has been appointed to the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), created by Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, to establish and maintain a list of victims of human rights abuses in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. The Commission consists of nine Senators, nine Members of the House, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President.

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the CECC, said:

"Cong. Hultgren is a great addition to the CECC, I welcome his appointment by Speaker Boehner. At this critical period in U.S-China relations, we need more Members of Congress who understand the crucial importance of advancing human rights and the rule-of-law in U.S-China relations. Cong. Hultgren understands that issues like human trafficking, religious freedom, free speech, an end to torture in detention and the promotion of independent courts and a free press are critically linked to the advance of U.S. security and economic interests in China and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole."

Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) said:

"Our nation's economic and political relationship with China only grows in daily importance. Ensuring China respects the rule of law and human rights should remain a top priority of the United States. Illinois is a top trading partner with China. Yet when prisoners of conscience like Zhu Yufu remain behind bars for promoting democracy, it is clear there remains much work to do to advance the unambiguous rule of law in China. I am honored by this appointment and welcome the new opportunity to engage this key nation in opening up real economic and political opportunities for Chinese citizens."

Through Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's (TLHRC) Defending Freedoms Project, Rep. Hultgren has "adopted" Zhu Yufu, a Chinese Christian dissident, to highlight his plight and the plight of prisoners of conscience around the world. Zhu has spent several hundred days behind the walls of the overcrowded Zhejiang Prison Number 4 in China for his pro-democracy activities. Rep. Hultgren was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the bipartisan TLHRC which promotes, defends and advocates internationally recognized human rights norms.

Rep. Hultgren also cosponsored H.R. 1159 to make sure the United States reaffirms its commitment to advance universal suffrage, full democracy, and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

"The United States supports the advance of democracy and autonomy in Hong Kong, but China has been steadily backsliding on its promises to the people of Hong Kong and the international community. The U.S. must reaffirm its commitment to democracy throughout China," said Rep. Hultgren.

H.R. 1159 amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 by:

Directing the Secretary of State to reinstate an annual report to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest, and annually thereafter for 10 years or until the Secretary certifies that Hong Kong has held free and fair elections.

Directs the Secretary to certify annually to Congress whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong.

Encourages support for human rights, rule of law, or democracy in Hong Kong by exempting new agreements in these areas from the annual certification requirement.

Authorizes the Secretary to waive the certification requirement if in U.S. national interests, and with congressional notification.

Source