House approves sanctions on Vietnam

WASHINGTON, July 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. House Monday approved restrictions on aid to Vietnam related to that country's human rights record.

The lower house of Congress overwhelmingly approved a cap on aid to the country at 2004 levels -- nearly $40 million -- unless the president certifies progress is made on the release of religious and political prisoners, with certification required annually.

Money for fighting the spread of the AIDS virus and other health matters would reportedly not be impacted.

The House approved similar legislation in 2001, only to see it be ignored by the Senate.