Tom Lantos: “I rise in support of H.R. 2833. First, I would like to commend my good friend and distinguished colleague, the gentleman…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2833. First, I would like to commend my good friend and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for introducing this very important legislation and for doggedly pursuing the Vietnam human rights issue, as indeed he has been pursuing so many human rights issues during his entire course of great service to this Nation. I would also like to express my appreciation to the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for moving this legislation so expeditiously. Madam Speaker, yesterday afternoon I returned from the Durban Conference in South Africa on Racism and Discrimination, as the American delegation was withdrawn by Secretary of State Colin Powell, a decision I fully support. It is ironic to listen to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), outlining in great detail the discrimination and persecution unfolding in Vietnam against religious and ethnic minorities, because Vietnam was not on the agenda at Durban.”