H.Con.Res. 378 Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, and for other purposes Passed by a vote of 424-1 Burgess voted YES H.CON.RES.378 Major Actions: Help Title:Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 3/4/2004) Cosponsors: 106 Committees: House International Relations; Senate Foreign Relations Related Bills: S.RES.311 Latest Major Action: 5/13/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 3/4/2004--Introduced. States that Congress: (1) condemns the detention of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; (2) condemns the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam; and (3) urges the Government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader relationship with the United States, including the United States-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Father Ly a top concern; (2) reiterate its deep concern regarding the violation of Father Ly's and other prisoners' human rights, and continue to urge the Government of Vietnam to comply with international standards for freedom and human rights; and (3) make it clear to the Government of Vietnam that the detention and human rights violations of Father Ly and other persons create obstacles to improved bilateral relations with the United States.