National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. TRAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this en bloc package of bipartisan amendments that includes my amendment, Tran No. 65, which supports the annual U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue and reaffirms Congress' commitment to advancing fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

As the United States continues to deepen its engagement with Vietnam, human rights must remain central to the bilateral relationship.

The Vietnamese Government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful political expression.

Independent journalists like Le Huu Minh Tuan, human rights activists, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens face harassment, arbitrary detention, and imprisonment simply for exercising their basic rights.

A stronger economic and security partnership between our two nations cannot come at the expense of the democratic values and universal freedoms that the United States has long championed.

My amendment supports a critical diplomatic tool to press the Vietnamese Government on these concerns, including the immediate release of prisoners of conscience.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support these amendments en bloc.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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