Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan, Le Quoc Quan, and other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, and for other purposes.

Bill: 110-hres-243
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2007-03-14 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arrest
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Clergy
Diplomacy
Due process of law
East Asia
Education
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Free trade
Freedom of association
Freedom of speech
Government Operations and Politics
Higher education
Human rights
International agencies
International law
Law
Legal aid
Legal education
Political prisoners
Religion
Religious liberty
Right to travel
Technical assistance
United Nations
Vietnam

Summary:
action_date: 2007-03-14
text: 
Condemns the arbitrary arrests of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, and Le Thi Cong Nhan by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release, as well as the immediate release of all other political and religious prisoners.
 
Condemns the violations of the freedoms of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process in Vietnam.
 
Challenges Vietnam's qualifications to be a member of the U.N. Security Council unless the government of Vietnam begins to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
 
Urges the government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship.
 
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) make a top concern the immediate release, legal status, and humanitarian needs of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, and Le Thi Cong Nhan, and use funds from the Human Rights Defenders Fund to assist with their legal defense and the needs of their families; (2) urge the government of Vietnam to comply with international 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 religion and expression in order to broaden its relations with the United States; (4) re-impose on Vietnam the country of particular concern designation if Vietnam harasses, detains, and arrests religious leaders and religious-motivated rights defenders and activists; and (5) initiate new foreign assistance programs to advance the capacity and networking abilities of Vietnamese civil society. 

action_date: 2007-05-02
text: 
Condemns the arbitrary arrests of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, Le Quoc Quan, and Le Thi Cong Nhan by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release, as well as the immediate release of all other political and religious prisoners.
 
Condemns the violations of the freedoms of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process in Vietnam.
 
Challenges Vietnam's qualifications to be a member of the U.N. Security Council unless the government of Vietnam begins to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
 
Urges the government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship.
 
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) make a top concern the immediate release, legal status, and humanitarian needs of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, Le Quoc Quan, and Le Thi Cong Nhan, and use funds from the Human Rights Defenders Fund to assist with their legal defense and the needs of their families; (2) urge the government of Vietnam to comply with international 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 religion and expression in order to broaden its relations with the United States; (4) consider re-imposing on Vietnam the country of particular concern designation; and (5) initiate new foreign assistance programs to advance the capacity and networking abilities of Vietnamese civil society. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2007-05-02
text: The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1429.
action_date: 2007-05-02
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2007-05-02
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2007-05-02
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 0, 3 Present (Roll no. 286). (text: CR 5/01/2007 H4246-4247)
action_date: 2007-05-02
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): 404 - 0, 3 Present (Roll no. 286).(text: CR 5/01/2007 H4246-4247)
action_date: 2007-05-02
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4379)
action_date: 2007-05-01
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: 2007-05-01
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 243.
action_date: 2007-05-01
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4246-4253)
action_date: 2007-05-01
text: Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2007-04-19
text: Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2007-04-19
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2007-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E703)
action_date: 2007-03-14
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2007-03-14
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2007-03-14
text: Introduced in House