Phil Crane

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Roth].

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman]. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Houghton], my distinguished colleague on the Committee on Ways and Means. (Mr. HOUGHTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Forbes]. (Mr. FORBES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield half of my time to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Gibbons], the ranking member of our full Committee on Ways and Means, who introduced this legislation with me.

Mr. CRANE. No, I am not.

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3161, legislation which authorizes the President to extend permanent most-favored-nation [MFN] tariff treatment to the products of Romania. This legislation, which was introduced by myself and the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Gibbons, is supported by the administration and was favorably reported out of the Ways and Means Committee by a voice vote on June 13, 1996. At present, Romania's MFN status is subject to the freedom-of- emigration conditions contained in title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, the provision of U.S. law which contains the so-called Jackson-Vanik amendment. As enacted, the Jackson-Vanik conditions apply to nonmarket economy countries not eligible for MFN treatment on January 3, 1975. Since the passage of Jackson-Vanik more than 20 years ago, however, we have witnessed the end of the cold war and the rebirth of Central and Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism in the region. Like many of its neighbors, Romania has undergone wholescale change in its political and economic systems, as the country has undertaken the difficult transition away from centralization toward democracy and open markets. After the overthrow of its Communist dictatorship in 1989, Romania approved a new Constitution to lay the foundation for human rights, freedom of expression, and respect for private property under the new democratic government. Since then, Romania has held local, parliamentary, and Presidential elections. Later this year, Romania will hold its second Presidential election under the new Constitution. In addition to democratic reform, Romania has undertaken significant market-oriented economic reforms, including privatization. Since 1990, more than 500,000 small- and medium-size companies have been created by the private sector and more than 2,000 state owned enterprises have been privatized. At present, the private sector accounts for about 50 percent of the country's gross domestic product and employs more than half of its work force. To continue the transition to a market-based economy, the government has targeted 2,900 state enterprises for privatization this year. At the end of this process, it is estimated that the private sector will account for more than 70 percent of Romania's gross domestic product. Given Romania's progress toward pluralistic democracy and a market economy, I believe it is appropriate for the United States to respond by passing H.R. 3161 to normalize our bilateral trade relations. Extending permanent MFN to Romania, as has been done for other East European countries, will enhance our bilateral relations by providing the business community with greater certainty with respect to Romania's status under U.S. law. In addition, Romania is a member of the World Trade Organization and an extension of permanent MFN is necessary in order for the United States to benefit from our rights under the WTO in our relations with Romania. Moreover, solidifying our bilateral commercial relations will help to ensure that Romania continues on the steady course of reform that it has laid out for its future. The Congressional Budget Office has indicated that its baseline revenue projections assume that Romania's conditional MFN status will be renewed by the President in the future. Therefore, enactment of H.R. 3161 will not affect projected Federal Government receipts. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, my home State of Illinois has been embroiled in litigation, Pennington versus Doherty, regarding the base period used to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation. The plaintiffs in Pennington have argued that the Federal Government, and not the individual States, should have the right to set those base periods. Their position is diametrically opposed to the common practice recognized as lawful and legitimate for decades. I believe that States should retain this right and that Federal action in this area should not preempt State law. Unfortunately, an appellate court did not agree. While the outcome of this suit will unquestionably have a significant impact on Illinois, it may also lead to changes across the country, since more than 40 States utilize similar methods for determining eligibility for unemployment compensation. The final ruling could lead to greatly increased costs, both for individual States and the Federal Government. In fact, some have estimated that an unfavorable outcome in this case could increase costs by as much as $750 million over the next 8 years in Illinois alone, and the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that costs to the Federal Government could reach the $3 billion range over that same period. There can be little doubt that if the Pennington suit is successful, other plaintiffs in other States will be lining up to file their suits. But perhaps even more troubling than the financial impact of this decision is the circumvention and misinterpretation of congressional intent through judicial action. Earlier today, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing regarding the Pennington case. While a variety of witnesses, including representatives of the administration, expressed various opinions regarding this case, there was unanimity on the fact that Congress intended States to control their own base periods. Despite widespread agreement on that issue, the courts may now redefine the law through judicial fiat. In order to protect congressional intent and avoid these unnecessary expenditures, I am today introducing legislation which would simply clarify current law by stating in no uncertain terms that States have the right to set their own base periods and no Federal actions should preempt that right. I hope that my colleagues will join with me in supporting States' rights and in supporting this legislation.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Portman]. (Mr. PORTMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Knollenberg].

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my distinguished colleague the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Ewing]. (Mr. EWING asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Oxley]. (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my colleague and neighbor, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Manzullo]. (Mr. MANZULLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I include the following letter from 881 American companies and associations for the Record. Business Coalition for United States-China Trade, June 20, 1996. The President, The White House, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. President: Unconditional renewal of China's MFN trading status is in our nation's interest. We urge the Executive Branch and the Congress to work together on a bipartisan basis to ensure unconditional renewal of MFN and to defeat any legislation that would restrict or condition future expansion of U.S-China trade. We welcome recent statements by you and by former Senate Majority Leader Dole expressing support for unconditional renewal of MFN. America's prosperity rests on our continued leadership in the global economy. In the last five years, China has become the fastest-growing market in the world for American exports. In 1995, exports of U.S. goods and services to China rose by 26 percent, reaching nearly $14 billion annually. These exports support over 200,000 high-wage American jobs. Our exports were led by rising demand for U.S. aerospace products, computers, grains, chemicals, telecommunications technology, power generation equipment, electronics, and financial services. Last year, China imported $2.6 billion of U.S. farm products, making it the sixth-largest market in the world for American agriculture. While many of our other leading farm customers are mature Asian and European markets, China has vast potential. To reap the historic promise of the ``freedom to farm'' bill, America's farmers need continued access to export markets. U.S.-China trade also supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in U.S. consumer goods companies, ports, transportation firms, and retail establishments. These exports and jobs would be put at risk if MFN is not renewed or if restrictions and conditions are imposed on future expansion of U.S.-China trade. America's reputation as a reliable supplier would be called into question again by our customers around the world if we revert to a failed policy of using U.S. trade as a foreign policy weapon. In the last decade, China's market-oriented reforms, which U.S. trade and investment help to support, have contributed to vast improvements in the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese by raising incomes, expanding economic freedom, improving access to information, and fostering increased support for the rule of law. Cutting off U.S. trade would end the positive influence of American companies in the Chinese workplace and set back the entrepreneurial forces that offer the best hope for freedom and democracy in China. We have urged the Chinese Government to fully adhere to its negotiated agreements. We have also urged China to undertake the far-reaching commitments required to join the WTO on a commercially acceptable basis. The ultimate goal of U.S. policy should be to move beyond the divisive annual struggles over China's MFN trading status to a stable and mature relationship that advances American jobs, prosperity, and security. We believe such steps are in our nation's interest. We look forward to working closely with you and the Congressional leadership in the coming weeks to achieve the goal of stabilizing and improving this vital bilateral relationship. Sincerely, 3M Company; A & C Trade Consultants, Inc.; AAI Corporation; Aaron Ferer & Sons Co.; AATA International, Inc.; Abacus Group of America, Inc.; ABB, Inc.; Abbott Laboratories; ACCEL Technologies; AccSys Technology Inc.; Acme Foundry Inc.; ACTS Testing Labs, Inc.; adidas, AMERICA; Advanced Controls; Aero Machine Co. Inc.; Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc.; Aerospace Products Inc.; Aerospace Services and Products; AES China Generating Co., The; AES Corporation, The; Agribusiness Assn. of Iowa; Agri-Chemicals Corp.; Agricultural Retailers Association; Agrifos L.L.C.; Air Products & Chemicals Inc.;. Airguage Company; Airport Systems International, Inc.; Albany International Corporation; Allen-Edmonds; Allied Signal Inc.; Alta Technologies Incorporated; Alto Findley Inc.; AM General Corporation; Amber, Inc.; Amer-China Partners Ltd.; American Accessories International, L.L.C.; American Applied Research; American Association of Exporters & Importers; American Automobile Manufacturers Association; American Bangladesh Economic Forum, The; American Chamber of Commerce--Korea, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Guangdong, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Okinawa, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, The; American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, The; American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam--Ho Chi Minh City Chapter, The; American Chamber of Commerce People's Republic of China--Shanghai, The; American Chamber of Commerce People's Republic of China--Beijing, The; American Crop Protection Association; American Electronics Association; American Express Company; American Farm Bureau Federation; American Financial Services Association; American Forest & Paper Association; American Home Products Corporation; American International Group, Inc.; American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, The; American Pacific Enterprises Inc.; American President Lines, Ltd.; American Seed Trade Association; American Shorthorn Association; American Soybean Association; American Standard Inc.; American White Wheat Producers Assoc.; Ameritech International; Amiran Zaloom; Amoco Corporation; AMP Incorporated; Amway Corporation; Andersen Worldwide; Anderson Roethle, Inc.; Andersons, Inc., The; Andros, Inc.; Angel-Etts of California, Inc.; Ann Taylor, Inc.; APEX Broaching Systems; Apoly Industrial Limited; Aptek, Industries; Arbiter Systems, Inc.; ARCO International; Argo Oil & Gas Corporation; Arizona Chamber of Commerce; Armstrong World Industries; ARR/MAZ PRODUCTS, L.P.; ASICS TIGER CORPORATION; Asmara Inc.; Associated Company Inc.; Association for Manufacturing Technology, The; Association of Business & Industry (Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce); AT&T; ATC International, Inc.; ATSCO Footwear Inc.; Audre, Inc.; AXTOM Training Inc.; Axis Corporation, The; B & B Machine & Tooling Inc.; B&S Steel of Kansas, Inc.; B.H. Aircraft Co. Inc.; Baker & Daniels; Baker, Maxham, Jester & Meador; Bakery Crafts; Bandai America Incorporated; Barbara Franklin Enterprises; Barclays Bank PLC/New York; Baron-Abramson Inc.; Bartow Steel, Inc.; BBC International Ltd.; BCI; Bechtel Group, Inc.; Belk Brothers; Bell South Corporation; Bennett Importing; Berelson & Company; Best Products Co., Inc.; Beta First Inc.; Beta/Unitex, Inc.; Black & Veatch International; Blue Box Toys, Inc.; BNL Corp.; Boatmans/Bank IV; Boeing Company, The; Bomamza Enterprises, Bombay Company, Inc., The; Bradbury Co., Inc.; Brahm & Krenz International Ltd.; Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates; Bridgecreek Development Co.; Bridgecreek Realty Company; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Brite Voice Systems; Brittain Machine, Inc.; Brookstone, Inc.; Brown & Root, Inc.; Brown Shoe Company; Broyhill Inc.; Brunswick River Terminal, Inc.; Budd Company, The; Buffalo Technologies Corporation; Bunge Corporation; Burnett Contracting & Drilling Co., Inc.; Business Roundtable, The; BUTLER GROUP, THE; C&J CLARK AMERICA; C.J. Bridges Railroad Contractor, Inc.; Cadaco, Inc.; Caldor Corporation, The; California Chamber of Commerce; California Microwave, Inc.; California R & D Center; California Sunshine Inc.; Caltex Petroleum Association; Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Capital-Mercury Shirt Corp.; Caplan's; Cargill Detroit Corporation; Cargill Fertilizer, Inc.; Cargill Flour Milling; Cargill, Inc.; Carroll, Burdick, McDonough LLP; Carson Pirie Scott & Co.; Caterpillar Inc.; The Cato Corporation; Celestair, Inc.; Cels Enterprises; Center Industries Corp.; Central Maintenance & Welding, Inc.; Central Purchasing of China, Inc.; Centurion International Inc.; Cessna Aircraft Company; CF Industries, Inc.; CHA Industries; Chadwick Marketing, Ltd.; The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Chance Industries; Chapin, Fleming & Winet; Charles Engineering Inc.; The Chase Manhattan Corporation; Chemical Manufacturers Association; Chevron Corporation; Chief Industries, Inc.; China Products North America, Inc.; China Trade Development Corp.; China-American Trade Society; Chrysler Corporation; The Chubb Corporation; CIGNA Corporation; Citicorp/Citibank; Clark Manufacturing Inc.; Claude Mann & Associates Inc.; Clubhouse Marketing; Coalition of Service Industries; Coastcom; The Coca-Cola Company; Coffeyville Sektam Inc.; Coleman Company, Inc.; Colorworks; Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co., Inc.; Compaq Computer Corporation; Compressed Air Products, Inc.; Computalog, USA; Computer & Communication Industry Association; Computing Devices International; ConAgra, Inc.; Conoco; Continental Grain Company; Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.; Corn Refiners Association; Cornhusker Bank; Corning Incorporated; Coudert Brothers; Countrymark Cooperative Inc.; CPC International, Inc.; Craft Corporation; Crate & Barrel; Creative Computer Solutions; CSX Corp.; CSX Transportation; CTL Distribution, Inc.; Cumberland Packing Corp.; Cybercom; Daggar Group Ltd.; Daisy Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Dale C. Rossman, Inc.; Daniel Valve Co.; DAN-LOC Corporation; Darling International Inc.; Dawahare's, Inc.; Dayton Hudson Corporation; Deere & Company; Dekalb Chamber of Commerce; Diamond V. Mills, Inc.; Digital Equipment Corp.; Direct Selling Association; D-J Engineering Inc.; Dodge City Chamber of Commerce; Donnelley & Sons Company; Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce; The Dow Chemical Company; Dow Corning; DPCS International; Dresser Industries, Inc.; DuPont Company; Duracell International Inc.; Dynasty Footwear; E.S. Originals; Eagle Eyewear Inc.; Eaglebrook, Inc.; Easter Unlimited/Fun World; Eastman Chemical Company; Eastman Kodak Company; Eaton Corporation; Ebisons Harounian Imports; Eckerd Corporation; Ed Wheeler & Associates; Eden L.L.C.; Edison Brothers Stores, Inc.; Edison Mission Company; Edison Mission Energy; EDS; EG&G, Inc.; Elan-Polo, Inc.; Electronic Industries Association; Eli Lilly and Company; Elicon Endicott Johnson; Emergency Committee for American Trade; Emeritus, Holland & Knight; Emerson Electric Co.; Empire of Carolina, Inc.; Endicott Johnson Corporation; Enercon Industries Corporation; Epperson & Company; Erie Chamber of Commerce; Ernst & Young L.L.P.; The Ertl Company, Inc.; Essex Group, Inc.; Everbrite Inc.; Excel Manufacturing Inc.; Excelled Sheepskin and Leather Coat Corp.; Export Specialists, Inc.; Exxon Corporation; Family Dollar Stores; Farmland Hydro, L.P.; Farmland Industries, Inc.; Federated Department Stores, Inc.; Feizy Import and Export Company; The Fertilizer Institute; Fife Florida Electric Supply, Inc.; FILA USA; Fingerhut Companies, Inc., First Chicago NBD Corporation; Firstar Bank; Fischer Imaging Corporation; Fisher-Price, Inc.; Flight Safety International; Florida Phosphate Council; Flour Daniel, Inc.; FMC Corporation; FMC-Crosby Valve Inc.; FMH, Inc.; FOOTACTION USA; Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, Inc.; Ford Motor Company; Forec Trading Inc.; Forte Cashmere Company, Inc.; Forte Lighting, Inc.; Foster Wheeler International; Foxboro Company; Frank L. Wells Company; Freeman International Inc.; Freeport-McMoRan Inc.; Frio Machine Inc.; GT Sales & Manufacturing Inc.; G.A. Germenian & Sons; Galamba Metals Inc.; Galt Sand Co.; Galveston-Houston Company; Gap, Inc., The; GEC Precision; Genencor International, Inc.; General Dynamics Corporation; General Electric Co.; General Motors Corporation; GENESCO, Inc.; George Giocher, Inc.; Gingles Department Stores; Global Construction; Global Group; Global Rug Corp.; Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company; Gordy International; Gottschalks, Inc.; Graham & James LLP; GRAND IMPORTS, INC.; Great American Fun Corp.; Great Eastern Mountain Investment Corp.; Great Plains Industries; Great Plains Manufacturing; Great Plains Ventures, Inc.; Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce; Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce; Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce; Guardian Industries Corporation; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Gund Inc.; Halliburton Company; Hallmark Cards, Inc.; Hallum Tooling Inc.; Harlow Aircraft Manufacturing; Harris Company, The; Harris Corporation; Harris Laboratories Inc.; Harry Sello & Associates; Harsco Corporation; Harvest States Cooperatives; Hasbro, Inc.; Hays Area Chamber of Commerce; Heart Care Corporation of America; HEICO Corporation; Henry Company; Hercules Incorporated; Hewlett-Packard Company; Hill and Knowlton Public Affairs Worldwide Co.; Hills & Company; Hills Pet Nutrition; Hoechst Celanese; Holland Pump & Equipment; Holland Pump MFG, Inc.; Holt Company The,; Homecrest, Inc.; Honeywell; HSQ Technology; Hub Tool & Supply Inc.; Hufcor, Inc.; Hughes Electronics Corporation; Hurd Millwork Company, Inc.; Hydril Company; IBM; IBM Greater China Group; IBP, Inc.; IES Industries Inc.; IMC Global Inc.; IMC-Agrico Company; Imperial Toy Corporation; Indiana Agribusiness Assoc.'s; Infra-Metals Co.; Ingelbert S. Corp.; Ingersoll-Rand Co.; Interconnect Devices, Inc.; Interex Computer Products; International Development Planners; International Mass Retail Association; International Sea Star, Inc.; International Seaway Trading Corp.; International Trade Services; INTER-PACIFIC CORP.; Intertrade Ltd.; Iowa Beef Packers; Irving Shoes; Irwin Toy; ISCO, INC.; ITOCHU International Inc.; ITT Corporation; ITT Industries; J. Baker, Inc.; J.C. Penney Company, Inc.; J.H. Ham Engineering, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; Janco Corporation; Janex Corporation; Japan & Orient Tours, Inc.; JBL International; Jerry Elsner Company, Inc.; JIMLAR CORPORATION; Johnson & Johnson; Johnson Worldwide Associates; Jolly U.S.A. Inc.; Jonathan Stone, Ltd.; J-TECH ASSOCIATES; Juice Tree Inc.; JuNo Ind Inc.; K Mart Corporation; K X Metal Inc.; Kalaty Rug Corporation; Kamen Wiping Materials Inc.; Kansas Association for Small Business; Kansas City, KS Area Chamber of Commerce; Kansas Farm Bureau; Kansas Livestock Association; Kansas State Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Kansas State University; Kansas World Trade Center; Karman, Inc.; Kasper Machine Company; Kids International Corp.; Knitastiks; Koch Materials; Kohler Company; Koll Asia Pacific; KSK INTERNATIONAL; K-SWISS, INC.; L & M Enterprise; L & S Machine Co., Inc.; L D Supply Inc.; L.A. GEAR; LAIRD, LIMITED; Lampton Welding Supply Co., Inc.; Lane Piping & Equipment Company; Lear Corporation; Learjet; Learning Curve Toys; Leather Apparel Association; LeFebure; Leo A. Daly Company; Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc.; Liberty Classic, Inc.; Lillian Vernon Corp.; Limited, Inc., The; Lindsey Manufacturing Co.; Liquidynamics, Inc.; Litton Engineering Laboratories; Litton Systems & Guidance Control; Livernois Engineering; Liz Claiborne, Inc.; LJO, INC.; Local Knowledge; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Loctite Corporation; Lone Star Steel Company; Lorenzo, Inc.; Louis Dreyfus Corporation; Lubbock Chamber of Commerce; Lucas-Milhaupt, Inc.; Lucent Technologies; Lyons Manufacturing Company; M.W. International, Inc.; Magnatek National Electric Coil; Mandarin Pacific Bridge; Manitowoc Equipment Works; Manley Toys USA Ltd.; Marcella Fine Rugs; Marjan International Corp.; Marriott Lodging, International; Mars, Incorporated; Martin-Decker/Totco Instrumentation, Incorporated; Masco Corporation; Matlack Systems, Inc.; Mattel, Inc.; May Company Stores, The; McClurkans; McDermott/Babcock & Wilcox; McDonald & Pelz; McDonald Construction Corporation; McDonnell Douglas Corporation; McGraw-Hill Companies, The; Mead Corporation; Melder International Trade Inc.; Meldisco; Memcon Corporation; MEPHISTO, INC.; MERCURY INTERNATIONAL; Meritus Industries Inc.; Mesa Laboratories, Inc.; Metal Forming Inc.; Metalcost Inc. of Florida; M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C.; Michaelian & Kohlberg; Micro Motion, Inc.; MIDAMAR CORPORATION, Mid-Central Manufacturing Inc.; Middle East Rug Corporation, Midland Chamber of Commerce; Midland Furnigant Company, Inc.; Midwest of Cannon Falls; Mighty Star, Inc.; Millers' National Federation. Milling Precision Tool Inc.; Mine & Mill Supply Company; Mini-Mac Inc.; Mires Machine Company, Inc.; Mize & Company; Mizuno Corporation of America; Mobil Corporation; Momeni Inc.; Monsanto Company; Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc.; Morgan Stanley Group; Motorola; Mount Sopris Instruments; Moussa Etessami & Sons Corp.; Mulberry Motor Parts, Inc. (NAPA); Mulberry Phosphates, Inc.; Mulberry Railcar Repair Co.; Mustang International Groups Inc.; MWI Corporation; NAK, Corp.; National Association of Chain Drug Stores; National Association of Manufacturers; National Association of Purchasing Managers; National Barley Growers Association; National Broiler Council; National Corn Growers Association; National Cottonseed Products Association; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Foreign Trade Council, Inc.; National Grain and Feed Association; National Grain Sorghum Producers; National Grain Trade Council; National Nuclear Corporation; National Oilseed Processors Association; National Plastics Color; National Retail Federation; National Sporting Goods Association; National Sunflower Association; National Turkey Federation; Natur's Way, Inc.; Natural Science Industries, Ltd.; Nazdar; Nebraska Corn Growers Association; Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation; Nebraska Soybean Association. Nebraska Wheat Board; New Basics, Inc.; New England Securities; Nexus Corp.; NIKE, Inc.; Nikko America Inc.; Norand Corporation; Nordstrom Valves, Inc.; Norman Broadbent International, Inc.; Normart Enterprises, Inc.; NORTEL (Northern Telecom); North American Export Grain Association Incorporated; North Shore Chamber of Commerce; Northridge Travel Service; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Northwest Horticultural Council; Norton McNaughton; Notations, Inc.; NOURISON; Nylint Corp.; NYNEX Corporation; Ohio Art Company, The; Ohsman & Sons Company; Oil Capital Limited, Inc.; Oil States Industries Inc.; Oklahoma Fertilizer & Chemical Association; Oklahoma Grain & Feed Association; Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce; OLEM SHOE CORP.; Orchid Holdings, L.P.; Orient Express Rug Co.; Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc.; Overland Park Chamber of Commerce; Owens Corning; Pac Am International; Pacific Bridge, Inc.; Pacific Northwest Advisors; Pacific Rim Resources, Inc.; Pacific Tradelink Inc.; PAN PACIFIC DESIGNS; Panamax; Parisian, Inc.; Parker Majestic Inc.; Paul Harris Stores; Payless ShoeSource, Inc. PC LTD.; PCS Phosphate--White Springs; PE/Koogler & Associates; Peebles, Inc.; Peninsular Group, The Pennfield Oil Company; Pepsico Food & Beverage Int'l.; Perigee Technical Services, Inc.; Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association; Pfizer, Inc.; PhF Specialists Inc.; Philip Morris International; Phillips Petroleum Company; Phoenix Products Company, Inc.; Phoschem Supply Company; PIC'N PAY STORES, INC.; Pick Machinery; Pico Design, Inc.; Pioneer Balloon Company; Piscataway/Middlesex Area Chamber of Commerce; Pizza Hut; Plastic Fabricating Co., Inc.; Play- Tech, Inc.; Polaroid Corporation; Polk Equipment Company, Inc.; Polk Pump & Irrigation Co. Inc.; Porta-Kamp Manufacturing Co. Inc.; Portman Holdings; Power Link Inc.; PPG Industries, Inc.; Praxair, Inc.; Precision Manufacturing Inc.; Pressman Toys; PREUSSAG Int'l Steel Corp.; Price Waterhouse LLP; Processed Plastic Co.; Procter & Gamble; PROFESSIONAL Machine & Tool; PTX-Pentronix Inc.; Puritan- Bennett Aerospace Systems; Quality Petroleum Corporation; Quality Tech Metals; Quantum International; Racine Federated Inc.; RACKESdirect Rail Safety Engineering; Rainbow Technologies; Rainfair, Inc.; Ralston Purina International; Rays Apparel, Inc.; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Raytheon Appliances, Inc. (Amana); Raytheon Company; Reebok International, Ltd.; Regal Plastics Company; Regent Intl. Corp; Reid & Priest LLP; Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.; Renaissance Carpet; Revell-Monogram, Inc.; Reynold's Bros., Inc.; Richfield Hospitality Services, Inc.; Riggs Tool Company Inc.; RIGHT STUFF, THE; Robin International; Robinson Fans; Rockwell; Rohm and Haas Co.; Ross Engineering Corp.; ROTO-MIX; Rubbermaid Speciality Products, Inc.; Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.; RXL Pulitzer; Ryan International Airlines; S. Rothchild & Co., Inc.; S.R.M. Company, Inc.; Safari Ltd.; Salant Corporation; Salina Area Chamber of Commerce; SALLAND INDUSTRIES LTD; Samad Brothers, Inc.; Samsonite Corporation; Sand Livestock System, Inc.; Sansei Hawaii, Inc.; Santa Barbara International Film Fest; Sauder Custom Fabrication Inc.; SBC Communications Inc.; Scarbroughs; Scarlett/Dalil Fashions; Schering-Plough Corporation Scienfic Design Company, Inc.; Scranton Corp.; Sea-Land Service, Inc.; Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Security DBS; SEEMA International, Ltd.; Semiconductor Industry Association; Shanghai Centre; Shanghai Industrial Consultants; SHONAC CORP.; Smith Bros. Oil Company; SmithKline Beecham; SMS Group Inc.; Snap-on Tools; Soilmoisture Equipment Corp.; Soleimani Rug Company; Southwest Paper Co., Inc.; Southwestern Bell; Sperry Sun Drilling Services; Spiegel, Inc.; SPM Flow Control; Standard Parts & Equipment; STRIDE RITE CORP., THE; Strombecker Corporation; Suman Technology International; Sundstrand Aerospace; Superior Coatings, Inc.; Sweeney; Sweepster Inc.; Symbios Logic; Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber of Commerce; Tai-Pan International, Inc.; Takenaka & Company; Tampa Armature Wks; Tampa Electric; Tampa Port Authority; Teck Soon Hong Trading Inc.; Tekra Corporation; Telecommunications Industry Association; Teledyne, Inc.; Tennessee Association of Business; Terra Industries Inc.; Texaco Inc.; Texas Instruments; Texas Pup, Inc.; Textron Inc.; Thom McAn Shoe Company; Thomas H. Miner & Associates; Time Warner Inc.; Tomy America Inc.; TOPLINE CORPORATION, THE.; Toy Biz, Inc.; Toy Manufacturers of America. Inc.; Toys `R' Us; TRADE WINDS.; Tradehome Shoe Stores. Inc.; Trans-Ocean Import Co., Inc.; Trans-Phos, Inc.; TRI-STAR APPAREL, INC.; Triumph Controls, Inc.; TRW Inc.; Tube Sales Inc.; Tuboscope Vetco International Inc.; Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Turner Electric Works; Tyco Preschool; Tyco Toys, Inc.; Tystar Corp.; U.S. Agri-Chemicals Corp.; U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel; U.S. Canola Association; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Council for International Business; U.S. Feed Grains Council; U.S. Sprint; U.S. Trading & Investment Company; Uneeda Doll Co. Ltd.; Union Camp Corporation; Union Carbide Corporation; Union Pacific Railroad; Unirex Inc.; Unison International; United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association; United Machine Co. Inc.; United Parcel Service; United Retail Group, Inc.; United States-China Business Council, The; United Technologies Corp.; USA Rice Federation; US-China Industrial Exchange, Inc.; USX Engineers & Consultants, Inc.; Varian Associates; Vector Corporation; Venture Stores; VICPOINT (USA) LIMITED; Virginia Crop Production Association; VTech L.L.C.; Vulcan Chemicals; W.H. Smith Group (USA), Inc.; Waldor Products, Inc.; WAL-MART; Walnutron Industries, Inc.; Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce; Warnaco; Warner-Lambert Company; Weatherford Enterra; Weaver Manufacturing Inc.; Weaver's Inc.; Web Systems. Inc.; Wellex Corporation; Western Atlas Inc.; Western Digital; Western Resources; Westinghouse Electric Corp.; WESTVACO CORPORATION; Weyerhaeuser Company; Whirlpool Corporation; Whittaker Corporation; Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce; Wichita Machine Products Inc.; Wichita State University; Wichita Tool; Wichita Wranglers; WiCON International Ltd.; Wilson The Leather Experts; Windmere Corporation; Wippette International Inc.; Wisconsin Agri- Service Assn, Inc.; Wisconsin Fertilizer & Chemical Association; WJS Inc.; Wm F. Hurst Co., Inc.; Wm Wrigley Jr. Company; Woodward-Clyde International; Woolworth; World Trade Center Denver; World Trade Center of New Orleans; World Trade Center, Sacramento; Worldports, Inc.; Xerox Corporation; Yuan & Associates; Zero Zone, Inc.; Zond Corporation;

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Brownback]. (Mr. BROWNBACK asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Dreier]. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Connecticut [Mrs. Johnson]. (Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Lightfoot]. (Mr. LIGHTFOOT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong opposition to House Joint Resolution 182. Because of the tragic human rights situation in China, it is very easy to stray from the central question of what is the most effective policy to achieve what we all want for the Chinese people--a better, more humane life. This resolution, however, would set up a policy of unilateral confrontation with the Chinese Government in which our Government would disengage from a leadership role in the region. That is not the answer to China's problems, and it will serve only to worsen the condition of the Chinese people. One has only to recall the cultural revolution and the widespread famine of the 1970's in China to understand that an isolated Chinese Government is the most dangerous. It is a proven fact that business plays a positive role in exposing the Chinese people to ideas and skills necessary to succeed in a free market, to the opportunities of economic liberalization, and to the promise of expanded political freedom. Simply put, prosperity and expanded contact with American citizens is the best way to nurture the growth of democracy in China. Motorola, one of my constituents, is a prime example of the importance of improving the conditions in China by setting a good example in several ways. Motorola has generously volunteered to develop grammar schools throughout China, giving children opportunities that they would not have otherwise had. In addition, Motorola has established a program permitting its Chinese employees to own their own apartments after a period of time. The performance of this one company is ample proof that the presence of American business in China has had a positive influence on the Chinese people it touches by fostering and encouraging the values we embrace so strongly. I challenge proponents of this resolution to show me a United States-owned firm in China that is not far out in front of its competitors in promoting health and safety standards, workers' compensation, and nondiscrimination in the workplace. We also cannot ignore the fundamental fact that under the repressive Chinese regime flourishes one of the world's largest and most rapidly growing economies. If my colleagues would ask their constituent firms about the future of U.S. trade policy, and what our priorities should be, as I did at a hearing I held in my Illinois district earlier this year, they will emphasize the strategic importance of developing the Chinese market, over any other trade issue. Illinois exports to China grew 25 percent last year. What is striking is the fact that these exports came predominately from small and medium-sized firms employing 500 people or less. These firms realize that competing successfully in China and Pacific Rim countries makes them strong. We know that job security in terms of tenure and job turnover is much higher in exporting firms. Levels of job creation in plants that produce for export is 17 to 18 percent higher than in plants that do not. According to new research, pay in companies competing in the world market place is 15 percent higher, and benefit levels, a remarkable 37 percent higher. Rest assured, I would agree that China is one of the most protectionist countries with which we trade. For example, securing access to China's services market, adherence to fair phytosanitary rules for the agriculture products, and elimination of a wide range of restrictive import quotas are key United States objectives. But this positive agenda, I am afraid, is disabled by the annual exercise of condemning the Chinese Government and society on a wholesale basis through the MFN process. Instead, developing solid, negotiated solutions to targeted market access problems is the best way to deal with these issues. The disapproval resolution we are considering today would set back all the progress that the United States and our businesses are making in China. Such a policy of unilateral confrontation must be rejected in favor of a strategy that preserves United States leadership in Asia and maintains our commitment to the people of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. I urge my colleagues to vote a strong ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to our distinguished colleague the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Fields]. (Mr. FIELDS of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Madam Speaker, my name was inadvertently added as a cosponsor of H.R. 2740. I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2740.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. I thank my colleague for yielding this time, and I want to thank my distinguished colleague from the neighboring State of Wisconsin for accommodating us. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Kolbe], to strike section 421 from the bill. I am greatly concerned that section 421 would force an independent government agency to turn down the NEC computer in question, even though neither the Department of Commerce nor the International Trade Commission has made any formal findings of dumping and injury, and in fact has not initiated any formal investigation, as required by statute and by international law, to impose antidumping duties. Clearly we must enforce our antidumping laws to prevent unfair trading. However, section 421 would improperly use the appropriations process to chill what could be a legitimate procurement that does not involve dumping. It is impossible for Congress to determine now whether the procurement in question violates the antidumping statute. That is a matter for the Commerce Department and the International Trade Commission to determine, using statutorily mandated procedures. Only when they have made this determination can we begin to consider the effects on the procurement. In addition, I am greatly concerned that such language could violate our obligations under the WTO antidumping agreement, which provides that no specific action against dumping of exports from another party may be taken except in accordance with the agreement, and does not authorize punitive measures such as disqualification from government procurement. In addition, I am concerned that the amendment could violate the Government Procurement Agreement, which provides that each party shall provide national treatment to suppliers of other parties. The Japanese government has already notified our government of their concerns that we would be violating our international obligations if this provision is adopted. The United States is the largest target of foreign antidumping actions. We are vulnerable. What we do to other countries will be done to us. Accordingly, I would urge all Members to support the Kolbe amendment.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me this time. With regard to all of the comments made about Bill Emerson, I can only say amen. As a very dear person, a caring person, though, I would like to share an anecdote. I have my No. 5 daughter suffering from cancer and she has been going through chemotherapy since last October. She was over here visiting on the floor with me and we ran into Bill. He told her that he was going through the same experience. He really lifted her spirits. He told her, ``Hang in there, you're going to beat this,'' and he reassured her. Then he asked me further for her telephone number when she was in the hospital, getting chemo, and when she was home, he called her, just lifting her spirits. Bill, of course, had that amazing quality for maintaining high spirits even when he knew what the prospects were. I share this as an anecdote only because it was so personal and meaningful to me. As a father, of course, you anguish over your little ones through that kind of experience, but you cannot help but anguish over those who suffer the loss most, and, that is, his lovely wife Jo Ann and his daughters, his mother. But remember that the pain and suffering and the anguish of that loss is experienced only by we survivors. Bill is home free and he is looking down smiling upon all of us and he probably feels a little embarrassed at times over some of these revelations of our affections for him. When my dad passed away last year and we all attended, it was family reunion time, I reassured my brothers, my sister, and the family that, hey, the big reunion time is right up there now, and his parents were waiting for him and all the loved ones that preceded him. It is time for Bill to enjoy his celebration. He pulled his tour of duty. We can only look forward to the time when we can participate in that joyful experience and recognize that in the interim, though, we are here to try and bolster one another and to carry on the good fight and in the best tradition that Bill did. God bless you, Bill Emerson.