Speech #1050177251

I am perplexed as to who will eventually benefit. On the merits of the case I dont think the average Vietnamese will benefit. since the IMF has held up loans to Vietnam because the government has not made appropriate economic reforms. The Presidents waiver is suspect as to why he continues to insist his action will substantially promote the freedom of emigration provisions. In fact Congress has the names of hundreds of Vietnamese who have been denied emigration since 1975. This pattern of human rights abuse continues to this day. Finally. as a practical matter. if Vietnamese leaders think American Foreign Policy can be influenced by Lippo money they will have no incentive to take our positions seriously on any issue especially enforcing the freedom of emigration provisions in the JacksonVanik amendment. Now is the time to send a signal to the World that the Congress takes very seriously our oversight responsibilities and we pledge to bring sunlight on the Administrations actions. Vote to support H.J.