HONG KONG (AP) — The Latest on Hong Kong's protests (all times local):

11:55 a.m.

Having twice prevented Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam from delivering her annual policy speech, pro-democracy lawmakers are urging her to step down.

At an impromptu news conference outside the Legislative Council chamber, the lawmakers played a recording on a small loudspeaker that they said was the sound of police tear-gassing protesters and of protesters screaming.

Lawmaker Tanya Chan says, "Please, please, please Mrs. Carrie Lam, don't let us suffer any more."

Lam twice walked out of the chamber after protesting lawmakers thwarted her efforts to lay out her policy objectives in the speech.

Hong Kong is the grip of monthslong pro-democracy protests calling for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry of police use of force and other demands.

11:40 a.m.

Shouting furiously, pro-democracy lawmakers have foiled a second attempt by Hong Kong's leader to deliver her annual policy speech.

In chaotic scenes in the Legislative Council, Chief Executive Carrie Lam walked out after lawmakers interrupted her the first time.

After a delay of a few minutes, she then walked back in and tried again, but was again forced to stop as lawmakers again yelled and chanted.

When the chairman suspended the session, Lam walked out again. One lawmaker tossed a placard as Lam was leaving.

Hong Kong is the grip of monthslong pro-democracy protests calling for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry of police use of force and other demands.

11:20 a.m.

Chanting pro-democracy lawmakers have interrupted the start of a speech that Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam was giving laying out her policies.

Lawmakers were waiting for Lam outside the chamber of the Legislative Council and followed her inside.

She had already started delivering her annual policy address when the protest interrupted her.

Lawmakers held up a photo of Lam waving with her hands colored blood-red.

10:45 a.m.

Hong Kong's government says the U.S. Congress shouldn't interfere in the territory's affairs, after the House passed three bills showing U.S. support for pro-democracy protesters.

A government statement Wednesday defending Hong Kong's political system came before the territory's leader, Carrie Lam, was to deliver an annual address laying out her policies.

She wasn't, however, expected to yield to key demands of protesters who've been demonstrating since June.

The House approved the bills Tuesday with separate voice votes. One condemns China's intrusions into Hong Kong's affairs. Another requires annual reviews by the U.S. secretary of state of Hong Kong's special economic and trade status. The third would ensure U.S. weapons aren't used against protesters.

The response from Hong Kong's government said, "foreign legislatures should not interfere in any form."