Congress Supports Democracy In Vietnam

Congress of The United States
Washington DC, 20515

May 30, 2006

Open Letter to Vietnamese Citizens Supporting the
Appeal for Freedom of Political Association
and the Manifesto on Freedom and Democracy for Vietnam

We wish to express out sincere support, encouragement, and respect for the 116
Vietnamese citizens who signed the April 6, 2006 "Appeal for Freedom of Political
Association" and the 118 Vietnamese citizens who signed the April 8, 2006 "Manifesto
on Democracy and Freedom for Vietnam".

It is our understanding that since these documents were released, thousands of
Vietnamese - living inside the country and abroad - have expressed their support. These
documents are a compelling reminder that while the freedoms we enjoy are not universal,
the thirst for freedom most certainly is.

We hope that this letter will further serve as a reminder to those who silence voices of
freedom that any act of repression or intimidation against citizens peacefully expressing
their beliefs is a gross violation of human rights - wholly inconsistent with the image of
stability and progress that the Government of Vietnam is currently pursuing. The world
is watching.

To those living in Vietnam who have given their signatures to these historic documentsyour
courage and dedication in advocating for human liberty through peaceful and
nonviolent means serves as an inspiration to your fellow citizens, to us, and to the world.
We stand with you in your struggle.
Sincerely,

SIGNATURES

Loretta Sanchez
Chris Smith
Major Owens
Shelley Berkley
Grace Napolitano
Charles Ạ Gonzalez
Ed Case
Alan B. Mollohan
Ellen Tauscher
Nita Lowey
Charlie Melancon
Ron Kind
Mike Ross
Leonard Boswell
Brad Sherman
Ted Strickland
Jan Schakowsky
Chris Van Hollen
Gary Ackerman
Kendrick Meek
Tim Ryan
Al Green
Tammy Baldwin
Dan Burton
Michael McNultv
Tom Davis
Zoe Lofgren
Linda Sanchez
Carolyn McCarthy
Jim Matheson
Dan Boren
Allen Boyd
Mike Thompson
Gene Taylor
Ed Pastor
Bud Cramer
Ben Chandler
Mike Doyle
Alcee Hastings
Dennis Cardoza
Sherrod Brown
Carolyn Maloney
Maurice Hinchey
Raul Grijalva
Hilda Solis
Benjamin Cardin
Mike Honda
Adam Schiff
Susan Davis
Ed Royce