Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement in support of the courageous protestors in Hong Kong speaking out against a dangerous proposed extradition law:

“The hearts of all freedom-loving people were moved by the courage of the one million men and women of Hong Kong who took to the streets on Sunday to peacefully demand their rights, defend their sovereignty and denounce this horrific extradition bill.

“The China-controlled Legislative Council’s proposed extradition bill chillingly showcases Beijing’s brazen willingness to trample over the law to silence dissent and stifle the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. This legislation would legitimize and legalize the kidnapping of businessmen, booksellers and anyone that China disagrees with, and imperils the safety of the 85,000 Americans living in Hong Kong. As Martin Lee, the founder of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, recently wrote, this bill ‘threatens to destroy Hong Kong’s free society.’

“The extradition bill imperils the strong U.S.-Hong Kong relationship that has flourished for two decades. If it passes, the Congress has no choice but to reassess whether Hong Kong is ‘sufficiently autonomous’ under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. We look forward to the introduction of a new bipartisan Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the coming days by Senator Rubio, Chairman Jim McGovern and Congressman Chris Smith.

“The House stands united with Senator McConnell, the Administration and all who have denounced this dangerous extradition legislation. America stands with the people of Hong Kong.”