[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS WITH VIETNAM

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                           HON. TRENT FRANKS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Madam Speaker, on December 8, 2006, the House 
considered H.R. 6406, which, among other things, authorized the 
permanent extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade 
relations) to the products of Vietnam. While I am a strong proponent of 
free trade and I am committed to helping broaden the United States' 
relationship with Vietnam, I could not, in good conscience, vote for 
this legislation.
  I continue to hold serious concerns about Vietnam's human rights 
record, as well as their handling of cases regarding U.S. Armed Forces 
personnel missing and killed in action during the Vietnam War.
  Madam Speaker, I truly believe that the overall benefits of free 
trade are numerous for our country and that of our trading partners. 
These positive aspects include a higher economic standard of living, a 
wider range of higher quality products at lower costs, and a migration 
of workers from less competitive markets to more competitive and 
productive markets. As a former small business owner, I am and will 
remain a strong advocate for free trade.
  However I also believe that religious liberty and respect for human 
rights should be requirements for achieving the broadest possible 
economic success.

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