Hungarys progressive position among Easternbloc countries is very important to the United States and one which we should encourage whenever possible. Just last week. the House passed under suspension of the rules a bill to extend OPIC loans to Hungary. as well as promote cultural and educational exchanges. and in doing so praised Hungarys liberal path. This bill we are considering today will also express the appreciation of the United States for Hungarys longstanding record on free emigration and freemarket business practices. I feel obliged to make note of the fact that the administration opposes this legislation. although it is strongly sympathetic to what this bill is trying to do. However. I believe their opposition to be mild. and is based primarily on their desire to have sole discretion to give or take away MFN. The Congress clearly has a role to play in reviewing Hungarys record and in deciding appropriate incentives like the one embodied in this bill. Also. the administration would like to wait until the Hungarian Parliament acts this fall to codify its already liberal emigration practices. We feel confident that Hungary intends to keep its promises to put in place new emigration laws. and this legislation designed to reward a good 10 years of effective policies need not be delayed. Mr. Speaker.
Keywords matched
emigration