Ed Royce Turns Up Heat on Vietnamese Government

Introduces sanctions bill and "CPC" resolution Washington, Jan 5 - Today, the first day of the 112th Congress, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) introduced the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act, a bill to impose sanctions on Vietnamese government officials who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against the people of Vietnam. The bill targets government agents, police officers, and others who commit egregious human rights abuses against peaceful dissidents with travel restrictions and financial sanctions.

"With the Communist government in Vietnam increasing its crackdown on human rights, Congress needs to respond. Those squashing freedom must pay a price," said Royce.

The legislation notes that Vietnam remains a one-party state that is ruled and controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam, and continues to deny its citizens the right to change their government. Those who bravely speak out against the totalitarian system are frequently beaten, detained, or put under house arrest.

To exert pressure on the Vietnamese government, the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act instructs the President to create a list of individuals who continue to wantonly disregard the human rights of the Vietnamese people. Those listed will be refused entry into the United States, and will be prohibited from doing business with U.S companies.

"The Obama Administration has been disturbingly silent on human rights. This legislation lets those in Vietnam struggling for freedom know that Congress stands with them," said Royce.

In addition to introducing the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act, Royce once again introduced a resolution calling on the State Department to relist Vietnam as a "Country of Particular Concern" for violations of religious freedom. This resolution passed the House of Representatives in the last Congress on December 17, 2010.

"Building off last year’s success, I want to put this Congress on record that we will continue to fight for religious freedom in Vietnam. The Communist government continues its crackdown on peaceful religious practitioners, and it’s important that we continue to put heat on the oppressors and the too tolerant Obama State Department," said Royce.

Rep. Ed Royce is a senior member on the Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment Subcommittee. Additionally Royce serves on the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam and the Caucus on Human Rights. ###

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Congressman Ed Royce WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 2185 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 T (202) 225-4111

John Boehner Elected Speaker of the House VIDEO TEXT

Excerpts from Boehner’s Speech to the Opening Session of the 112th Congress. Jan 5, 2011 Washington- Following are excerpts from Congressman John Boehner’s (R-West Chester) remarks to the opening session of the 112th Congress which will convene today at 12:00 p.m. ET:

“We gather here today at a time of great challenges. Nearly one in ten of our neighbors are looking for work. Health care costs are still rising for families and small businesses. Our spending has caught up with us, and our debt will soon eclipse the size of our entire economy. Hard work and tough decisions will be required of the 112th Congress. No longer can we fall short. No longer can we kick the can down the road. The people voted to end business as usual, and today we begin carrying out their instructions.”

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"The American people have humbled us. They have refreshed our memories as to just how temporary the privilege to serve is. They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them. That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker. After all, this is the people’s House. This is their Congress. It’s about them, not us. What they want is a government that is honest, accountable and responsive to their needs. A government that respects individual liberty, honors our heritage, and bows before the public it serves.”

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“Our aim will be to give government back to the people. In seeking this goal, we will part with some of the rituals that have come to characterize this institution under majorities Republican and Democratic alike. We will dispense with the conventional wisdom that bigger bills are always better; that fast legislating is good legislating; that allowing additional amendments and open debate makes the legislative process ‘less efficient’ than our forefathers intended. These misconceptions have been the basis for the rituals of modern Washington. The American people have not been well served by them.”

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“We will not always get it right. We will not always agree on what is right. A great deal of scar tissue has built up on both sides of the aisle. We cannot ignore that, nor should we. My belief has always been, we can disagree without being disagreeable to each other. That’s why it is critical this institution operate in a manner that permits a free exchange of ideas, and resolves our honest differences through a fair debate and a fair vote. We may have different – sometimes, very different – ideas for how to go about achieving the common good, but it is our shared goal. It is why we serve.”
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NOTE: Boehner’s speech will take place after the election of the Speaker and will be streamed live online at the Pledge to America Facebook Page. # # # # #

Contact: Cory Fritz 202-225-6205

TEXT CREDIT: John Boehner - 8th District of Ohio Washington, D.C. Office 1011 Longworth H.O.B. Washington, DC 20515, (202) 225-6205 (202) 225-0704 fax