H.R. 1897Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013

1 recorded action105 of these members are on the 2026 ballotWhat the measure does Read on Congress.gov

Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith [R-NJ-04]
Cosponsors: 16 · 8 Republicans · 8 Democrats
Policy area: International Affairs
Committees: Foreign Affairs Committee, Foreign Relations Committee
Latest action: Sep 9, 2013 · Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

IntroducedMay 8, 2013
Passed the HouseAug 1, 2013
Passed the SenateNot yet reached
Sent to the PresidentNot yet reached
Became lawNot yet reached

What the measure doesCRS summary

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013 - Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2012 amounts unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, return of confiscated religious estates and property, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of political prisoners.

Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Allows the President to waive such authority with respect to: (1) all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam; or (2) one or more programs, projects, or activities of such assistance.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for the Vietnamese language services of the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia; (2) U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam; (3) the Secretary of State should oppose Vietnam's candidacy for membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC); (4) Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and (5) Vietnam does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance.

Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding Vietnam's compliance with the provisions of this Act.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, describing H.R. 1897 as passed House amended on Aug 1, 2013. It is not the text of the measure; a later amendment may have changed what it does.

How every member votedHouse roll call 435

House Aug 1, 2013

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013

Passed · Two-thirds required

405 Yea 3 Nay 25 not voting

Crossed both parties 3 of 408 voting members broke with their own party: 1 Democrat, 2 Republicans.

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How the chamber split

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DemocratsRepublicansFilled: YeaRing: NayGrey: not voting or present

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All members433 members

Democratic200 members

Republican233 members

marks half of the votes cast. A party’s majority is the side most of its voting members took.

Cosponsors16 · 8 Republicans · 8 Democrats

Signing on is not a vote: a member can cosponsor H.R. 1897 and vote against it. 4 signed when it was filed.