16 Vietnamese American organizations urge continued funding for Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), emphasizing their role in promoting transparency, exposing human rights violations, and supporting democratic values in Vietnam.
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– – – –
April 3, 2025
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
| Sen. John Thune
Majority Leader US Senate SD-511 Washington, D.C. 20510
Sen. Chuck Schumer Senate Democratic Leader 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 |
Rep. Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House H-232, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries House Democratic Leader 2267 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 |
RE: Support Radio Free Asia and Voice of America
Dear Mr. President and Congressional Leaders,
We, the undersigned Vietnamese American organizations, strongly support continued funding for Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), especially the Vietnamese-language services.
For decades, RFA and VOA have been at the forefront of promoting transparency, defending democratic values and strengthening U.S. people-to-people ties in Vietnam, in China and across the globe. RFA, in particular, has played a crucial role in exposing human rights violations in Vietnam, exposing corruption and supporting voices calling for reform. Most recently, RFA was the first to report on Can Thi Theu, a Vietnamese social justice advocate and prisoner of conscience whose life is in immediate danger. Without RFA’s reporting, cases like hers may never reach the Vietnamese public or international community.
Beyond the fight for press freedom and human rights, shutting down VOA and RFA poses a direct threat to U.S. economic interests. A well-informed public fosters political and social stability, creating an environment conducive to U.S. investments and trade partnerships. A strong media presence builds trust in American values, directly translating into stronger diplomatic and economic relationships. The elimination of these platforms would weaken America’s standing and sacrifice long-term economic benefits in rapidly developing regions.
The President’s FY 2025 budget request included $950 million for USAGM — just 0.01% of the total federal budget. This modest yet impactful investment supports multiple media networks dedicated to advancing U.S. interests abroad. At a time when adversaries are aggressively waging information warfare, a strong and independent VOA and RFA presence is essential for projecting U.S. leadership, defending democratic ideals, and safeguarding economic opportunities in key international markets.
We call on the Administration and Congress to reinstate funding for USAGM, ensuring that VOA and RFA continue their essential mission. We should certainly consider ideas to improve the operational and editorial effectiveness of these platforms. Ultimately, the United States must maintain its global influence and commitment to truth and democracy.
Sincerely,
| Viet Tan
Duy Hoang, Executive Director |
Vietnamese-American Community of Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia. Long Duc Hoang, President
|
| Vietnamese Community of San Diego
Kim-Trang Dang, President |
The Vietnamese Refugee Community of Los Angeles County Long Nguyen, President
|
| Vietnamese Community of Dayton, Ohio
The Le, President |
Vietnamese American Heritage Foundation
Nancy Bui, President
|
| Brotherhood for Democracy
Nguyen Van Dai, President |
Vietnam Human Rights Network
Tung Ba Nguyen, Executive Director
|
| Justice For Formosa Victims
John-Hoa Nguyen, President |
Saigon Broadcasting Television Network
Truc Ho, CEO
|
| National Viet Radio
Sophie Duong, Director |
TNT Media Live
Binh Vo, Director
|
| Vietnamese American Senior Association
San Joaquin, CA Em Nguyen, President |
Association of Former Vietnamese
Political Prisoners of Stockton, CA Linh Duy Vo, President
|
| Vietnam Restoration League
Xuan Vo, Representative |
Gia Dinh Origin Magazine
Lam Phuoc Le, President |
