California. Unfortunately. I was informed last night that my visa application was denied by the Vietnamese government for the third time in 2 years. despite the fact that we have welcomed their dignitaries to the United States and that I was personally invited by Madam Ninh. the Vice Chair of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Vietnamese National Assembly. Some of my colleagues continue to push for closer ties with Vietnam through trade relations and military partnerships and other forms of nonhumanitarian cooperation and assistance. We. as a Congress. will be asked in the coming months to decide on issues fundamental to the nature of our relationship with Vietnam.