Trump signed the bills, which were approved by near unanimous consent in the House and Senate, even as he expressed some concerns about complicating the effort to work out a trade deal with China. "I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong," Trump said. "They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China & Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace & prosperity for all."
"We have to stand with Hong Kong," Trump said in an interview on "Fox & Friends." He continued: "But I'm also standing with President Xi. He's a friend of mine. He's an incredible guy.
"I appreciate the information the administration shared today," Risch said in a statement, adding, "I anticipate a more detailed briefing from the administration on this issue."
Pastor Saeed Abedini, a pastor and resident of Boise, was seized by the Iranian government in 2012 and has been sentenced to eight years in prison for allegedly spreading Christianity. He was in Iran visiting family and working to build orphanages. The Resolution:
Congress approved the bills last week following months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. China's foreign ministry called the laws a "naked hegemonic action" that seriously interfered in Hong Kong and China's internal affairs, violated international law and "fundamental norms of international relations."
Democratic and Republican lawmakers applauded the signing of the bills. Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the bills are "an important step forward in holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and its repression of fundamental human rights."
Sturgill said he has worked with refugees who contribute to society and the economy and said he supports the inclusive views toward immigrants and refugees espoused by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which both Sturgill and Crapo are members. Sturgill said he would oppose closing our borders based on fear. "It's inconsistent with my belief, it's inconsistent with the church's position, and we should continue to be that kind of beacon to the world that we've been historically," he said.
Sen. Risch, in your first interview with the Idaho Statesman, you said being a senator was an easy job. I suggest you put more effort into your performance, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Our country does not need strong men; we need heroes. Time to grow a spine.
Congress approved the bills last week following months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. China's foreign ministry called the laws a "naked hegemonic action" that seriously interfered in Hong Kong and China's internal affairs, violated international law and "fundamental norms of international relations."
Democratic and Republican lawmakers applauded the signing of the bills. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said it "finally sends a clear and unequivocal message to the people of Hong Kong: We are with you."
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who sponsored the House human rights bill, said Xi "should understand that the U.S. is not kidding about human rights.
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| 2016 Presidential contenders on Foreign Policy: | |||
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Republicans:
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX) Carly Fiorina(CA) Gov.John Kasich(OH) Sen.Marco Rubio(FL) Donald Trump(NY) |
Democrats:
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY) Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT) 2016 Third Party Candidates: Roseanne Barr(PF-HI) Robert Steele(L-NY) Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA) | ||
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