H.R. 1103: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

118th Congress · Sponsored from New Jersey · In progress

What this bill does

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.

Key facts

• Status In progress
• Introduced 2023-02-17
• Policy area International Affairs
• Cosponsors 7
• Latest action Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 527.

Sponsor

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Lead sponsor · New Jersey

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Who funds the sponsor?

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] introduced H.R. 1103. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.

See Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]'s donors & voting record →

Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.

Take a position & compare alignment

Agree or disagree with H.R. 1103? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.

Read the official text on Congress.gov →