Benjamin Gilman: “I want to commend Chairman Smith for crafting this important bill. I also wish to commend Committee Counsel Joseph Rees…”

“I want to commend Chairman Smith for crafting this important bill. I also wish to commend Committee Counsel Joseph Rees for his excellent work in helping to prepare this comprehensive measure. Madam Speaker, the Vietnam Human Rights Act is a landmark initiative that sets out clear goals and direction for our Nation's policy towards Vietnam. It is an example of the sort of policy the State Department should be doing with other repressive governments. Unfortunately, in the past few years, our government delinked trade restrictions to human rights improvement in Vietnam. This action was shortsighted and an insult to the memory of these American and Vietnamese men and Woman who died during the war attempting to bring about positive change. Their sacrifice to promote democratic governments in the region must not be forgotten. The Vietnam Human Rights Act will ensure that the State Department puts our Nation's best foot forward. Accordingly, I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.”