Mr. Speaker. the other night. here on Capitol Hill. some 200 Members of the House and Senate came to the Ways and Means Committee hearing room to attend a reception sponsored by the International League for the Repatriation of Russian Jews and myself. The purpose of that gathering. which drew adherents of all philosophical persuasions. was to reaffirm our commitment to the right of emigration for Russias three and onehalf million Jewish citizens. Highlighting the occasion was the presentation by the league of awards to three Members of Congress. who have led the fight to assure these people of a chance to leave Russia and seek new lives elsewhere. Senator HENRY JACKSON. Chairman WILBUR MILLS of the House Ways and Means Committee and Congressman CHARLES VANIK of Ohio were our honorees because of their sponsorship of legislation. tying trade developments. concessions. and detente to the issue of freedom of emigration. The Jackson amendment in the Senate and the MillsVanik bill in the House assure continued American dedication to fundamental human rights by withholding mostfavorednation status from any country denying. restricting. or excessively taxing emigration. Such legislation directly involves the Soviet Unions antiJewish emigration policy. Their recent professions of reform have fooled no one here. This function and its honors ceremony again served notice publicly yet politely that Congress has no intention whatsoever of backing down from its previous position.
Keywords matched
emigration