Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Pham Hong Son and other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, and other purposes.

Bill: 109-hconres-320
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2005-12-16 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Commemorations
Congress
Congressional tributes
Diplomats
Due process of law
East Asia
Europe
European Union
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Free trade
Freedom of association
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
Government Operations and Politics
Human rights
International agencies
Law
Nongovernmental organizations
Political prisoners
Religion
Religious liberty
Right to travel
Rule of law
Vietnam

Summary:
action_date: 2005-12-16
text: 
 Condemns: (1) the arbitrary detention of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release; and (2) the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam.
 
 Urges the government of Vietnam to: (1) consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship, including trade relations; and (2) allow access to the Central Highlands and to the Northwest Highlands by foreign diplomats, the international press, and nongovernmental organizations.
 
 Applauds the European Parliament for its December 2005 resolution regarding human rights in Vietnam. 
 
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others a top concern; (2) continue to urge the government of Vietnam to comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; (3) make clear to the government of Vietnam that it must adhere to the rule of law and respect the freedom of the press in order for it to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (4) make clear to the government of Vietnam that the detention of Dr. Pham and others is not in the interest of Vietnam because such detentions create obstacles to improved U.S. relations.

action_date: 2006-04-06
text: 
Condemns: (1) the arbitrary detention of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release; and (2) the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam.
 
 Urges the government of Vietnam to: (1) consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship; and (2) allow access to the Central Highlands and to the Northwest Highlands by foreign diplomats, the international press, and nongovernmental organizations.
 
 Applauds the European Parliament for its December 2005 resolution regarding human rights in Vietnam, and urges the government of Vietnam to comply with such resolution. 
 
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Dr. Pham Hong Son a top concern; (2) continue to urge the government of Vietnam to comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; (3) make clear to the government of Vietnam that it must adhere to the rule of law and respect the freedom of the press in order to broaden its relations with the United States; (4) make clear to the government of Vietnam that the detention of Dr. Pham and others is not in the interest of Vietnam because such detentions create obstacles to improved U.S. relations; and (5) reiterate its deep concern over the continued imprisonment of Dr. Son and other persons whose human rights are being violated and discuss the legal status and immediate humanitarian needs of such individuals with the government of Vietnam.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-04-06
text: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2006-04-06
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2006-04-06
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 425 - 1 (Roll no. 96). (text: CR 4/05/2006 H1479)
action_date: 2006-04-06
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): 425 - 1 (Roll no. 96).(text: CR 4/05/2006 H1479)
action_date: 2006-04-06
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1623)
action_date: 2006-04-05
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: 2006-04-05
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 320.
action_date: 2006-04-05
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1479-1482)
action_date: 2006-04-05
text: Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2006-02-28
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2006-02-28
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2006-02-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.
action_date: 2005-12-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
action_date: 2005-12-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-12-16
text: Introduced in House