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Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

USA119th CongressHR-2661| House 
| Updated: 4/7/2025
Christopher H. Smith

Christopher H. Smith

Republican Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (3)
John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Josh Riley (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee, Rules Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act" mandates that the Secretary of State periodically assess the status of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the United States. Within 30 days of enactment and then annually, the Secretary must certify whether these offices merit the continued extension of specific privileges, exemptions, and immunities, providing a detailed report justifying the decision, which may include considerations related to U.S. national security interests. If the Secretary of State determines that the HKETOs no longer merit these benefits, the offices are mandated to terminate their operations within 180 days of that determination being delivered to Congress. Conversely, if the Secretary certifies that the HKETOs do merit continued privileges, their operations may continue for one year, subject to congressional oversight. The bill establishes a special fast-track process for Congress to introduce and consider a "disapproval resolution," allowing either chamber to overturn the Secretary's positive determination and force the HKETOs to close. Additionally, the legislation imposes limitations on U.S. government entities, prohibiting them from entering into agreements or partnerships with HKETOs to promote tourism, culture, or business if certain conditions are not met, such as the absence of a Secretary's positive certification or if the partnership promotes efforts to justify the dismantling of Hong Kong's autonomy. The bill also explicitly states U.S. policy to avoid assisting in propaganda that misrepresents Hong Kong's autonomy or human rights situation, and to engage with the Hong Kong government to advocate for political prisoners, free press, fair elections, and an independent judiciary.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9561
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1103
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
Apr 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 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.
Jan 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3655
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9561
    Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1103
    Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act


  • April 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 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.


  • January 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3655
    Introduced in Senate

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • S 119-3655: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

USA119th CongressHR-2661| House 
| Updated: 4/7/2025
The "Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act" mandates that the Secretary of State periodically assess the status of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the United States. Within 30 days of enactment and then annually, the Secretary must certify whether these offices merit the continued extension of specific privileges, exemptions, and immunities, providing a detailed report justifying the decision, which may include considerations related to U.S. national security interests. If the Secretary of State determines that the HKETOs no longer merit these benefits, the offices are mandated to terminate their operations within 180 days of that determination being delivered to Congress. Conversely, if the Secretary certifies that the HKETOs do merit continued privileges, their operations may continue for one year, subject to congressional oversight. The bill establishes a special fast-track process for Congress to introduce and consider a "disapproval resolution," allowing either chamber to overturn the Secretary's positive determination and force the HKETOs to close. Additionally, the legislation imposes limitations on U.S. government entities, prohibiting them from entering into agreements or partnerships with HKETOs to promote tourism, culture, or business if certain conditions are not met, such as the absence of a Secretary's positive certification or if the partnership promotes efforts to justify the dismantling of Hong Kong's autonomy. The bill also explicitly states U.S. policy to avoid assisting in propaganda that misrepresents Hong Kong's autonomy or human rights situation, and to engage with the Hong Kong government to advocate for political prisoners, free press, fair elections, and an independent judiciary.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9561
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1103
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
Apr 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 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.
Jan 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3655
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9561
    Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1103
    Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act


  • April 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 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.


  • January 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3655
    Introduced in Senate
Christopher H. Smith

Christopher H. Smith

Republican Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (3)
John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Josh Riley (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee, Rules Committee

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • S 119-3655: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted