Political Quotes

“Lifting the embargo clearly does not take away the leverage tools we have. Restrictions on military items and other high-technical items remain in place. Most-favored-nation status is not granted. Normal diplomatic relations are not resumed. Moreover, the President has the flexibility to reimpose restrictions. But it does do what we want it to do and that is to give us an increased American presence. Leverage comes from engagement, not isolation. Further, lifting the embargo will serve mutually compatible goals. As I said in the beginning of my statement, the goal of this amendment is to help the families obtain the fullest possible accountability. The amendment strives to move relations with Vietnam in a positive direction so that we can resolve the accountability issue for the families' benefit, for their loved ones, for their children. And we need to speed up the process, Mr. President, because we have been on this track for 20 years. How do we get beyond it? The progress that we have achieved through limited access speaks for itself. This amendment also serves the goal of promoting free markets, democracy, and human rights through communication, access, and presence. Lastly, this amendment serves the goal of increasing U.S. competitiveness through trade and commerce.”