Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

Bill: 118-hr-1103
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2023-02-17 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
China
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Congressional oversight
Cultural exchanges and relations
Government liability
Hong Kong
International organizations and cooperation
Legislative rules and procedure
Licensing and registrations
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2023-02-17
text: 

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

 
This bill requires the President to periodically determine whether to allow the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) to continue to operate in the United States. (The HKETOs are the official representative offices for Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city that was established as a British colony in 1841. The United Kingdom transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to China in 1997).
 
Under this bill, the President must periodically (at least once a year) certify to Congress a determination as to whether the HKETOs should be covered by the International Organizations Immunities Act. (The act provides immunities and privileges to certain international organizations, such as immunity from certain lawsuits and exemption from property taxes.) 
 
If the President certifies that the HKETOs no longer merit receiving such privileges and immunities, the HKETOs must terminate operations in the United States no later than 180 days after the certification is delivered to Congress. 
 
If the President certifies that the HKETOs continue to merit such privileges and immunities, the HKETOs may continue operations for another year, unless Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving of the certification.
 
The President may also revoke the application of such privileges and immunities to the HKETOs.
 
A federal government entity may enter into an agreement or partnership with an HKETO only if the HKETOs are still authorized to operate in the United States under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-09-25
text: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 527.
action_date: 2024-09-10
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2024-09-10
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 3 (Roll no. 405).
action_date: 2024-09-10
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 3 (Roll no. 405).
action_date: 2024-09-10
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5119)
action_date: 2024-09-09
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. (text: CR H5068-5069)
action_date: 2024-09-09
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1103.
action_date: 2024-09-09
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5068-5071)
action_date: 2024-09-09
text: Mr. Barr moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2023-11-29
text: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 0.
action_date: 2023-11-29
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
action_date: 2023-02-17
text: 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.
action_date: 2023-02-17
text: 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.
action_date: 2023-02-17
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-02-17
text: Introduced in House