Mr. Chairman. I have long been active in the effort to win freedom of emigration for citizens in the Soviet Union. I have been an early and loyal sponsor of the JacksonVanikMills bill. which would deny mostf avorednation trade treatment or extension of credits and guarantees to the Soviet Union unless the Soviet Union permitted freedom of emigration. I submitted testimony in favor of this bill to the House Ways and Means Committee. and have spoken on the subject of freedom of emigration on numerous occasions on the floor of the House of Representatives. Today. I have an opportunity to cast my vote in favor of the Vanik amendment which will restrict the extension of U.S. Government credits and credit guarantees to countries. including the Soviet Union. which deny free emigration. Credits and credit guarantees are the most valuable trade preferences the United States can grant other countries. I am hopeful that all of the 289 House cosponsors of the original JacksonMillsVanik bill will continue their support and join me in supporting the Vanik amendment. This amendment will give "teeth" to title IV of this bill. The position of the Soviet Union in recent and continuing Middle East crisis is an example of the serious threat to the continued safety of emigrating Soviet Jews exhibited by the Soviet Union. Present U.S. Government participation in credits to the Soviet Union. in direct ExportImport Bank credits. and in Commodity Credit Corporation credits amount to well over a billion dollars.
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emigration emigrating