[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 231 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     November 13, 1997.
Whereas the Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 
        1996 notes that the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 
        ``denied citizens the right to change their government and significantly 
        restricted freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, privacy, 
        and religion'';
Whereas, since May 1997, non-violent demonstrations against corruption and abuse 
        of power at the local level have occurred in Thai Binh Province and 
        perhaps in Thanh Hoa, Hung Yen, Nghe An, and Bien Hoa provinces as well;
Whereas the criminal law of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is used to punish 
        individuals who are critical of the government, and on April 14, 1997, 
        an administrative decree was signed into law granting enhanced judicial 
        powers to the security forces to place under house arrest or subject to 
        reeducation camps, for up to two years, any civilians expected of 
        ``endangering national security'';
Whereas the leaders of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are seeking to expand 
        trade relations with the United States;
Whereas there is widespread discontent within the foreign business community in 
        the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with some companies pulling out 
        entirely, others freezing new investments, and nearly all complaining 
        about endemic corruption, intransigent bureaucracy, and a lack of clear 
        commitment to legitimate economic reform;
Whereas, in August 1997, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported 
        that child labor exploitation is on the rise in the Socialist Republic 
        of Vietnam with tens of thousands of children under 15 years of age 
        being exploited for labor; and
Whereas it is in the interest of the United States to promote political and 
        economic freedom throughout the world: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to 
        release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners, 
        including Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Prof. Doan Viet Hoat, Venerable Thich 
        Quang Do, Reverend Pham Minh Tri, and evangelist To Dinh Trung, with 
        full restoration of their civil and human rights;
            (2) requests the President to make clear to the leadership of the 
        Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam--
                    (A) the firm commitment of the American people to political 
                and religious and economic freedom for the people of the 
                Socialist Republic of Vietnam; and
                    (B) the United States fully expects equal protection under 
                the law to all Vietnamese, regardless of religious belief, 
                political philosophy, or previous association; and
            (3) urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam--
                    (A) to permit all political organizations in the Socialist 
                Republic of Vietnam to function without intimidation or 
                harassment; and
                    (B) to announce a framework and timetable for free and fair 
                elections that will allow the Vietnamese people to peacefully 
                choose their local and national leaders.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.