[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1909-E1910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H.R. 3096.
  When the U.S. and Vietnam resumed diplomatic relations over 10 years 
ago, it was the hope of many Americans that by increasing economic ties 
with Vietnam, we would be a beacon of light that would shine on the 
human rights atrocities also occurring in Vietnam.
  Despite increased U.S. relations, Vietnam has failed to protect the 
rights of its people. The Vietnamese government controls the press, 
suppressing the basic, core right of free speech that we as Americans 
hold to be so vital.
  While maintaining fiscal relations with Vietnam is important for a 
plethora of reasons, the overriding consideration for the U.S. in any 
relationship with a foreign country should be in evaluating how a 
foreign country treats its own people. The Vietnamese Communist Party 
has failed the people of Vietnam, and we fail with them if we refuse to 
recognize the atrocities occurring every day.
  This bill, the Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2007, is an important step 
in continuing to keep pressure on the Vietnamese Communist Party. As we 
have learned in addressing human rights issues in numerous countries 
throughout the world, one of the most effective methods of protecting 
the rights of others is to hit oppressive regimes where it counts--in 
their wallets.
  Under H.R. 3096, Vietnam would face losing millions in non-
humanitarian aid unless the president certifies that Vietnam begins 
releasing its political prisoners and protecting the basic rights of 
freedom of speech and freedom of religion--rights that we hold self-
evident not

[[Page E1910]]

as Americans, but as human beings. At the same time, this legislation 
provides $2 million in humanitarian aid for the next 2 years, and $9.1 
million in FY 2008 and $1.1 million in FY 2009 to overcome the jamming 
of Radio Free Asia. Providing access to this programming will help to 
empower the people of Vietnam and provide even more hope at a time when 
hope is most needed.
  Today, over 1.5 million Vietnamese reside in the United States. In 
the 11th District of Virginia, the Vietnamese community is a thriving 
population, many of whom I am proud to call my friends and neighbors. 
Vietnamese Americans are entrepreneurs, many owning small businesses 
and serving as constant reminders that the American Dream is alive and 
well. Their loved ones in Vietnam deserve that same dream.
  I commend my good friend from New Jersey and the other sponsors for 
bringing this bill to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
the passage of this important resolution.

                          ____________________