Speaker. I violently disagree with the distinguished gentleman from Michigan . and his interpretation of the Vanik amendment to the foreign aid bill adopted by the House of Representatives last Thursday evening. This amendment was designed to prohibit trade credits and loans to any nation charging an excessive visa fee on emigrating citizens. The amendment was designed to manifest Americas indignation at Soviet policy in selling liberty to departing citizens at prices up to $37.000. The adoption of this amendment was telegraphed immediately to the Kremlin. which desperately needs American wheat and other commodities. . I question the interpretation of the State Department which contends that the amendment would deprive aid to nations which impose a travel tax on their citizens. A travel tax is imposed by many nations to protect their balance of payments and to discourage tourism.by their own citizens. In the legislative history on this bill. the amendment is applicable only where there is an exorbitant and discriminatory visa .charge on a citizen who departs for permanent residence in another nation. I am shocked that the administration is nitpicking on this issue and has no plan of its own with which to attack the Soviet visa extortion devise. Apparently the administration is more concerned with protecting the wheat deal with the Soviets than ending the barter in human lives. In this situation. the administration is on the wrong side. and so is the gentleman from Michigan.
Keywords matched
emigrating visa