Bills · S 3655
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3655International Affairs
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
INTRO JAN 15· LAST ACTION JAN 15
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes how the U.S. deals with Hong Kong at a time when many believe China is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy, which were promised under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. If this bill becomes law, the U.S. would take a more active and potentially aggressive stance on scrutinizing Hong Kong's independence.
If the HKETOs lose their special status and are forced to close, it would be a major symbolic and practical downgrade of Hong Kong's relationship with the U.S., treating it less like an autonomous entity and more like a regular part of China. This could impact trade, investment, and cultural ties, reflecting the U.S.'s assessment of Hong Kong's diminishing self-governance. If the bill doesn't pass, the current system of privileges for HKETOs would continue, without the enhanced review or the fast-track congressional disapproval process.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of State to regularly determine if Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in the U.S. still deserve special diplomatic-like privileges.
This introduces a mandatory, ongoing review of HKETO status tied to Hong Kong's autonomy.
PROVISION 02
If the Secretary of State determines HKETOs no longer merit these privileges, they must cease operations within 180 days.
This provides a clear mechanism to revoke HKETO status and close their offices based on Hong Kong's autonomy.
PROVISION 03
Establishes an expedited process for Congress to pass a "disapproval resolution" to remove HKETO privileges, even if the Secretary of State determines they should continue.
This gives Congress a powerful, fast-track override capability, increasing legislative oversight over the HKETO's status.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
D· Oregon
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
128
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 40%
DEM 1 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 15
Introduced in Senate
JAN 15
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3655
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 15, 2026
Last actionJan 15, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 15, 2026
Senate BillS 3655International Affairs
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
INTRODUCED JAN 15, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 15, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
