Zoe Lofgren: “I support House Joint Resolution 120, which would disapprove the waiver of Jackson-Vanik. I cannot say strongly enough…”

“I support House Joint Resolution 120, which would disapprove the waiver of Jackson-Vanik. I cannot say strongly enough that 1998 is not the time to extend normal trade relations to Vietnam, to waive our requirement for free emigration from Vietnam. I believe that Vietnam and the United States will be able to trade with each other in the future, but not until Hanoi ends its human rights abuses, allows for truly free emigration, and establishes a fair and sound economic environment for American businesses. This is going to take time to achieve. This also will require the U.S. to refrain from extending normal trade relations status to Vietnam until Hanoi makes these corrections. I am very concerned about the human rights abuses in Vietnam that my colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), have already spoken to. While paying lip service to religious freedom and individual liberty, the Communist government of Vietnam continues to persecute those who question the authority of the state, including those in the Buddhist church who stand not only for freedom, but also for freedom to worship.”