I rise today in support of H.Res. 672, a bill which I am proud to cosponsor. Introduced by my good friend, colleague, and co-chair of the Vietnam Caucus, Representative Loretta Sanchez, this legislation calls on the Vietnamese government to respect internet freedom and to release a number of jailed pro-democracy activists.

I am deeply concerned about Vietnam’s human rights record, which shows no signs of improving.  Just last month at its United Nations Universal Periodic Review, Vietnam rejected 45 recommendations from member states, including the release of peaceful prisoners of conscience and to lift internet and blogging controls and prohibitions on privately-owned media. 

This situation is unacceptable.  We need to send a message to the Vietnamese government that the United States Congress does not condone its repression of free speech and democracy.  Using anti-propaganda laws to silence opposition and maintain one-party control  is not democracy and should not be tolerated.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.