House ties Vietnam aid to human rights

By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer

Future increases in U.S. nonhumanitarian aid to Vietnam would be tied to improvements in the Hanoi government's human rights record under legislation approved by the House Tuesday.

Supporters of the legislation, passed 414-3, said it was in response to Vietnam's recent crackdown on citizens speaking out for political, religious and human rights.

"Sadly, in recent months, the human rights situation in Vietnam has deteriorated and become substantially worse and a new ugly wave of brutal oppression has been launched by Hanoi," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., sponsor of the legislation.

He said the Vietnam government has tracked down and jailed many of the people who last year signed a declaration outlining humanitarian and human rights aspirations for the country.

The legislation, which must still be considered by the Senate, prohibits any increase in nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam over fiscal year 2007 levels unless the president certifies that Vietnam has made significant progress in its human rights record. The president must also confirm that Vietnamese officials are not involved in human trafficking.

The Congressional Research Service has estimated that the United States this year is providing Vietnam with about $8 to 12 million in nonhumanitarian aid.

The measure also approves the spending of $4 million over two years to help individuals and organizations that are promoting human rights and nonviolent democratic change in Vietnam. Another $10.2 million is set aside for measures to stop Vietnam's jamming of Radio Free Asia.

It states that it is U.S. policy to offer resettlement to Vietnam nationals, including members of the Montagnard group, who are eligible for refugee programs but were previously denied entry because of administrative error or other circumstances beyond their control.

Voting against the bill were Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona, Tom Tancredo of Colorado and Ron Paul of Texas.

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The bill is H.R. 3096

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