On the recordSeptember 6, 2001
I believe those fears are valid and important for us to consider. I do not believe we can discuss trade with Vietnam without addressing the human rights violations of the Vietnam Government. Therefore, I was very pleased that the legislation we passed earlier today addressed precisely these issues. Without adequately monitoring human rights situations and without real consequences for noncompliance, I would have had strong reservations about passing the Vietnam trade agreement we are debating now. But by considering these bills in conjunction, we will be able to send a message that the U.S. believes in engaging Vietnam and strengthening economic and political ties, but we still demonstrate our concern for the lack of rights afforded to the Vietnamese people.
Source
govinfo.gov
