Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, and for other purposes.

Bill: 108-hconres-378
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2004-03-04 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Catholic Church
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Clergy
Detention of persons
Diplomacy
Diplomats
Due process of law
East Asia
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Freedom of association
Freedom of speech
Government Operations and Politics
Human rights
Law
Most favored nation principle
Nongovernmental organizations
Normal trade relations
Political prisoners
Political violence
Public demonstrations
Religion
Religious liberty
Right to travel
Trade agreements
Vietnam

Summary:
action_date: 2004-03-04
text: 
States that Congress: (1) condemns the detention of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; (2) condemns the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam; and (3) urges the Government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader relationship with the United States, including the United States-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. 
 
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Father Ly a top concern; (2) reiterate its deep concern regarding the violation of Father Ly's and other prisoners' human rights, and continue to urge the Government of Vietnam to comply with international standards for freedom and human rights; and (3) make it clear to the Government of Vietnam that the detention and human rights violations of Father Ly and other persons create obstacles to improved bilateral relations with the United States.

action_date: 2004-05-12
text: 
States that Congress: (1) condemns the detention of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; (2) condemns the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam; (3) urges the Government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader relationship with the United States, including the United States-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement; (4) urges the Government of Vietnam to allow unfettered access to the Central Highlands by foreign diplomats, the international press, and nongovernmental organizations; and (5) condemns the extent of the violence used against Montagnard protesters on April 10 and 11, 2004, and the use of any violence against peaceful protests and demonstrations.
 
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Father Ly a top concern; (2) reiterate its deep concern regarding the violation of Father Ly's and other prisoners' human rights, and continue to urge the Government of Vietnam to comply with international standards for freedom and human rights; (3) make it clear to the Government of Vietnam that the detention and human rights violations of Father Ly and other persons create obstacles to improved bilateral relations with the United States; and (4) reiterate the deep concern of the United States regarding the continued imprisonment of Father Ly, and other persons whose human rights are being violated, and discuss their legal status and humanitarian needs with the Government of Vietnam. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2004-05-13
text: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2004-05-12
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2004-05-12
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 1 (Roll no. 167). (text as passed House: CR 5/11/2004 H2761)
action_date: 2004-05-12
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 1 (Roll no. 167).(text as passed House: CR 5/11/2004 H2761)
action_date: 2004-05-12
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2874-2875)
action_date: 2004-05-11
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2004-05-11
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 378.
action_date: 2004-05-11
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2761-2765)
action_date: 2004-05-11
text: Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2004-03-31
text: Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2004-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
action_date: 2004-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2004-03-04
text: Introduced in House