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H.R. 1897 113th Congress House

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013

Official title: To promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam.

Introduced: May 8, 2013 Introduced by: Christopher H. Smith Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
International Affairs Area studies and international educationAsiaCongressional oversightCultural exchanges and relations
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This bill died when the 113th Congress ended
It never became law before the 113th Congress (2013–2014) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 17 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 9, 2013
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Aug 1, 2013
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 1, 2013
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 3 (Roll no. 435). (text: CR 7/31/2013 H5249-5251)
Aug 1, 2013
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5295-5296)
Jul 31, 2013
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Jul 31, 2013
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1897.
Jul 31, 2013
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5249-5254)
Jul 31, 2013
Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Jun 27, 2013
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Jun 27, 2013
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 7, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Jun 6, 2013
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E815-816)
May 15, 2013
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Unanimous Consent .
May 15, 2013
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 8, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
May 8, 2013
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
May 8, 2013
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Aug 1, 2013 House · vote #435 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 405–3 See who voted →
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 Latest action September 9, 2013

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 1649 Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013
 Bill text 3 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
 Cosponsors 10
All 10 Democratic 2
MORAN, JAMES
· Jul 15, 2013
SANCHEZ, LORETTA
· Jun 28, 2013
ROHRABACHER, DANA
· Jun 27, 2013
ROS-LEHTINEN, ILEANA
· Jun 27, 2013
 D
Sherman, Brad
California · Jun 6, 2013
Poe, Ted
· May 22, 2013
Meadows, Mark
· May 14, 2013
 D
Lofgren, Zoe
California · May 8, 2013
ROYCE, ED
· May 8, 2013
WOLF, FRANK
· May 8, 2013
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1897: Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013. 113th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-1897/
MLA
"H.R. 1897: Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013." 113th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-1897/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1897, 113th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-1897/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1897: Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013](https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-1897/)
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