Speech #990098404

There have been statements by opponents of this bill suggesting it violates the Multi. Fiber Arrangement [MFAI. But a study just released by the House Government Operations Committee supports the basic concepts of import licensing and a comprehen. sive quota system which are embodied in the legislation that is being considered today while stating that these provisions can be enacted in compliance with the MFA. Because the administration has not taken strong and effective action to assist the embattled textile and apparel industry. this legislation has become necessary. Promise after promise have been made by the executive branch to restrict textile and apparel imports. but the statistics bear out how ineffective these actions have been. From 1980 through 1983. the average annual increase in imports was 10.2 percent. and from 1982 through 1984. the average annual increase was 30.9 percent. The administration has spoken strongly and fought against illegal immigration and drug trafficking and supports. as well. strong legislative initiatives in the Congress to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Why cant the White llouse do the same to enforce and control the flow of textile and apparel goods to provide for the national and economic security of our Nation? The textile and apparel industry is vital to our Nations defense.