[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H6160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONDITION IN VIETNAM

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of 
the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam, I continue to be concerned about 
the human rights condition in Vietnam. Despite their membership in the 
World Trade Organization and being granted permanent normal trade 
relation status, Vietnam continues to deny their citizens their 
fundamental human rights and political liberties.
  The Government of Vietnam continues to restrict Internet access and 
goes as far as to imprison those who would use the Internet to 
challenge the Communist Party.
  The United States must be a leading advocate for human rights. And we 
must make it clear to governments like those of Vietnam that it is 
unacceptable to deny people their basic human rights. I hope, 
especially under this new administration, that Congress will be able to 
work together and to recommit itself to fighting for the rights of the 
Vietnamese people.
  This weekend, our Orange County delegation will have the honor of 
welcoming the United States Ambassador to Vietnam to our community. And 
the delegation looks forward to continuing to work with the Department 
of State to make human rights a priority.

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