As one who has spoken out forcefully wherever and whenever such practices exist. I strongly urge the Congress to begin to consider this legislation immediately. While the intent of this measure is clearly to aid in the removal of the criminal and unconscionable head tax being levied on emigrating Jews in the Soviet Union. its adoption would be a signal to the family of nations that the United States will place principle above profit. For too long now. the United States has spoken one way on moral questions. and acted another way in trading agreements with other nations. By prohibiting most favored nation treatment and commercial agreements with any nation that denies its citizens the right to emigrate. the United States is using more than merely its reserve of moral suasion. it Is rightfully seeking justice by attacking conditions to the benefits of trade. I believe that the introduction of this legislation. particularly with its wide. bipartisan support. will make It clear to the Soviet Union that special consideration in economic terms cannot be gained without certain concessions in human terms. We are not seeking to interfere in what is often called an "internal" matter. Rather. we are asking. perhaps even demanding. that the Soviet Union and other nations whom we refer to as "most favored" will not restrict their peoples basic freedom of emigration. I feel that we should not extend mostfavored nation status to the Soviet Union unless and until they eliminate their restructive and discriminatory emigration laws. I want to commend my distinguished colleague for the active role he has played in gaining such overwhelming support for this bill and I hope that we will adopt this measure in the very near future.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration emigrating head tax