Speech #930008421

Mr. Speaker. it is a great privilege for me to join so many of my colleagues today in reintroducing the Freedom of Emigration Act. It is my understanding that over 230 Membersa majority of the Houseare sponsoring this legislation. This overwhelming support should give clear warning to the leaders of the Soviet Union that the U.S. Congress will not stand idly by while they continue to practice repression and cultural genocide against their Jewish citizens. The legislation which we are introducing today would prohibit expanded trade with Russia until Soviet Jews are granted freedom to emigrate to the country of their choice. Specifically. it would restrain mostfavorednation status or special trade privileges to any country in EastWest trade until such time as that country eliminates discriminatory emigration policies. As one Member of Congress who also sponsored this bill in the last Congress. I have noted no Indication of any change in emigration policy by the Soviet Union since we adjourned last October. Inhumane restrictions on emigration are still in force. particularly against Jews wishing to leave for Israel. Indeed. just 2 weeks ago the Soviet Union saw fit to formalize its repressive policies by publishing exit rates in the official records. The education taxes which must be paid by a person wishing to leave Russia run up to a fantastic $18.000 per person depending upon the level of education attained by the prospective emigrant. At the same time that the Soviets have been formalizing their new emigration policy. there have been numerous reports of new commercial negotiations. trade agreements. and investment commitments between the United States and Russia. Mr. Speaker. our Government has an opportunity in this situation to assert moral leadership by refusing to proceed with expanded EastWest trade until the Soviet Union clearly recognizes the basic human rights of all its citizens. It is my sincere hope that the Soviet Union. in light of the action we are taking today. will cease to enforce the head tax on emigrants. However. in the absence of a clear and quick change in Soviet policy. I urge the House to move promptly to enact this legislation.