MPR’s Dave Molpus interviews Betty McCollum, member of the U.S. House representing Minnesota's 4th Congressional District, about legislation in Congress to normalize trade with Laos. The U.S. suspended trade relations because of political and religious suppression by the Lao government dating to the mid-1970s.

Many Hmong still living in Laos who helped the U.S. fight the communists are targets for reprisals. Some Hmong Americans have said they believe improved relations would reward Laos for the continued oppression. McCollum, a Democrat from St. Paul, believes normal trade relations -- or NTR -- would help Laotians and Hmong in Laos and Minnesota.