The impact of his diligence has been substantial with regard to many tax reform and trade measures. including legislation to implement the multilateral trade negotiations. However. his single most significant contribution. in my mind. was his authorship of the JacksonVanik amendment of the Trade Act of 1974. The amendment reaffirms a fundamental American value by establishing that "Most Favored Nation" trade status is a privilege to be extended only to those nations which are willing to grant their citizens the most basic of human rights: freedom to emigrate. Even though our extremely poor balanceoftrade dictates that we increase trade with all nations of the world. we would be remiss in our constitutional responsibilities if we allowed MFN treatment to be granted to nations which do not have a consistent and equitable emigration policy. More than a law. thle JacksonVanik amendment stands as one of the greatest symbols of the free world. I have enjoyed doing battle with CHARLIE VANIK. and will miss that challenge in the 97th Congress.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration