Speech #930012911

The conditions reflect the key concerns of Congress and the American people. They are as follows: The United States must benefit no less than each of the Eastern European countries. The emigration policies of each country must be in conformance with internationally accepted standards on human rights. The extension of any trade agreement concessions must be fully reciprocal and "important to the national interest of the United States". There must be formal safeguards against any possible "dumping" of imports from the Eastern European nations. and The Eastern European nations must agree to settle delinquent debts and unpaid claims owed to the United States. The bill is written so that any Member is torn between his interest in easing the plight of Soviet Jewry and his desire to see increased EastWest trade can in full conscience vote for this bill because it requires emigration policies to be in line with internationally held values on human rights. This is also true of those Members concerned about imports and unpaid debts. At the same time. it permits a major expansion of U.S. exports and greater opportunities for reaching meaningful settlements on political issues.