Congressman Vanik was one of Congresss most vocal advocates for human rights. In 1974. he coauthored an amendment to a trade law that required the United States to assess the human rights records of foreign countries before granting them special privileges. This law put pressure on the Soviet Union to allow freer emigration. and as a result. more than 2 million people were able to leave the Soviet Union in search of a better life. While he was a Member of Congress. he never forgot where he came from or the people he represented. During his time in office he helped to pass several Federal programs. including the Federal school lunch program. that would help the people in his district and throughout the country improve their livelihoods.
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emigration