[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 38 (Tuesday, April 12, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    SUSPENDING DUTY ON PERSONAL EFFECTS OF PARTICIPANTS IN CERTAIN 
                     INTERNATIONAL ATHLETIC EVENTS

  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 4066) to suspend temporarily the duty on the personal 
effects of participants in, and certain other individuals associated 
with, the 1994 World Cup Soccer Games, the 1994 World Rowing 
Championships, the 1995 Special Olympics World Games, the 1996 Summer 
Olympics, and the 1996 Paralympics, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4066

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. TEMPORARY DUTY SUSPENSION FOR PERSONAL EFFECTS OF 
                   PARTICIPANTS IN CERTAIN WORLD ATHLETIC EVENTS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 99 of the 
     Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by 
     inserting in numerical sequence the following new heading:


``9902.98.0  Any of the following articles         No     Free   On or  
 4.           not intended for sale or              chan          before
              distribution to the public:           ge            11/30/
              personal effects of aliens who                      96''. 
              are participants in, officials                            
              of , or accredited members of                             
              delegations to, the 1994 FIFA                             
              World Cup Games, the 1994                                 
              World Rowing Championships,                               
              the 1995 Special Olympics                                 
              World Games, the XXVI Summer                              
              Olympiad, and the 1996 Atlanta                            
              Paralympic Games, and of                                  
              persons who are immediate                                 
              family members of or servants                             
              to any of the foregoing                                   
              persons; equipment and                                    
              materials imported in                                     
              connection with the foregoing                             
              events by or on behalf of the                             
              foregoing persons or the                                  
              organizing committees of such                             
              events; articles to be used in                            
              exhibitions depicting the                                 
              culture of a country                                      
              participating in any such                                 
              event; and, if consistent with                            
              the foregoing, such other                                 
              articles as the Secretary of                              
              the Treasury may allow........  Fre                       
                                               e                        
                                                                        

       (b) Taxes and Fees Not To Apply.--The articles described in 
     heading 9902.98.04 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
     United States (as added by subsection (a)) shall be free of 
     taxes and fees which may be otherwise applicable.

     SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       (a) General Rule.--The amendment made by this Act applies 
     to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for 
     consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (b) Reliquidation.--Notwithstanding section 514 of the 
     Tariff Act of 1930 or any other provision of law, upon proper 
     request (which includes sufficient information to identify 
     and locate the entry) filed with the Customs Service on or 
     before the date that is 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, any entry, or withdrawal from 
     warehouse for consumption, of an article described in heading 
     9902.98.04 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 
     States (as added by section 1) that occurred--
       (1) after December 31, 1993, and before the date which is 
     15 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
       (2) with respect to which there would have been no duty if 
     the amendment made by section 1 applied to such entry or 
     withdrawal.

     shall be liquidated or reliquidated as though such amendment 
     applied to such entry or withdrawal.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois [Mr. Rostenkowski] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Crane] will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Rostenkowski].


                             general leave

  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the bill presently being considered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4066, as amended.
  The events covered by this bill are the World Cup soccer games 
starting in Chicago in June 1994, to be held in nine venues throughout 
the United States; the 1994 World Rowing Championships in Indianapolis 
in September 1994; the Special Olympics world games in New Haven, CT, 
in July 1995; the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996; and the 1996 
Atlanta Paralympic games.
  Thousands of athletes and officials from hundreds of countries will 
be bringing in equipment and materials for these events and for related 
cultural exhibitions. H.R. 4066 will greatly assist these events by 
eliminating a requirement to post bond for temporary entry that might 
otherwise be necessary in some cases. Most other countries provide this 
service for major international sporting events. The Congress enacted 
similar legislation for the 1984 Summer Olympics, the 1990 Goodwill 
games, and the 1993 World University games.
  We have amended the bill to make clear that the duty exemption only 
applies to articles not intended for sale or distribution to the 
public.
  The Congressional Budget Office estimates that H.R. 4066 will cause 
no change in Federal Government receipts.
  This bill has widespread support on both sides of the aisle. I 
strongly urge my colleagues to pass this noncontroversial measure 
quickly so that it may be enacted in time to benefit the World Cup 
soccer games and other events to be held in the coming months.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4066, a bill to suspend 
the duty on personal effects and equipment of athletes entering the 
United States in order to participate in five international sporting 
events: The 1994 World Cup soccer games, the World Rowing 
Championships, the Special Olympics world games, the 1996 Summer 
Olympics, and the 1996 Paralympics.
  This bill will cause no change in revenue receipts since the articles 
it affects would ordinarily enter duty free under exemptions contained 
in current law. By simplifying entry procedures for athletes, and 
making it unnecessary for them to post bond for the importation of 
their sports equipment, H.R. 4066 is a concrete expression of our 
goodwill, friendship, and support for these games.
  The impact that these athletic tournaments have on the host regions, 
and on the individuals involved, their friends, and the families who 
come to cheer them on, is exciting and uplifting. Staffed by tens of 
thousands of volunteers and professionals dedicated to the advancement 
of athletics in this country, each of these five events will be 
celebrated in its own right.
  I am pleased, however, that we could reach agreement to act 
expeditiously on this legislation, because it is especially important 
to the smooth operation of the 1994 World Soccer Cup, which will be 
played in my State of Illinois, and eight other States, beginning on 
June 17. Currently undergoing a major renovation, Chicago's Soldier 
Field stadium will host the opening match between the defending German 
champions and the Bolivian team.
  Studies indicate that the 1994 World Soccer Cup will generate upwards 
of $4 billion in economic activity due to associated expenditures on 
hotels, restaurants, and shopping by those traveling in the United 
States to attend. Estimates are that more than $230 million will flow 
directly into the Chicago area as a result of the matches being held 
there.
  One hundred and forty-one nations have entered the 1994 World Cup. It 
is expected that 22 teams will qualify to compete in the United States. 
This is the world's largest single-sport event, and the trophy is more 
coveted worldwide than prizes from any other athletic contest. In our 
country, soccer vies with football, basketball, and baseball for 
attention, but it is important to remember how popular the sport of 
soccer is in other cultures. For example, more than one billion people 
watched the 1990 World Cup final on television, three times as many 
people as watched the 1969 landing on the moon. Approximately 31.2 
billion people are expected to view at least one of the 1994 World Cup 
Soccer matches on TV this summer.
  The other events covered by H.R. 4066, such as the World Rowing 
Championships and the 1996 Summer Olympics, are meritorious as well. I 
urge favorable approval to this legislation because it is a symbol of 
our support, hospitality, and commitment to those who came to the 
United States to participate in these important athletic events.

                              {time}  1250

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Jacobs].
  Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and express my 
gratitude to the gentlemen from Illinois for their work on this bill.
  This year Indianapolis, which claims to be the world capital of 
amateur sports, and may be, at that, was happy to host the Pan American 
Games a few years ago in the 1980's. Now we shall be happy to host the 
world championship rowing games. They are in Indianapolis.
  Some of my friends asked me if I thought I had enough pull in 
Congress to arrange to make the equipment that they bring in for this 
contest duty-free, so I went to Washington and floated the idea with 
the gentlemen from Illinois [Mr. Rostenkowski] and [Mr. Crane] and 
other members of the Committee on Ways and Means, and today the bill 
has surfaced.
  I am very grateful to my colleagues for assisting in this effort. I 
think it is probably about as good a diplomatic thing as we can do to 
show comity among nations and to encourage nations to compete on the 
athletic field, instead of competing for how efficiently they can 
slaughter each other.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4066, a 
bill which would grant duty waiver to five international athletic 
events to be held in the United States over the next 2 years. One of 
these events, the 1994 World Rowing Championships, will be held in 
Indianapolis, IN this September.
  This will be an exciting event for the city of Indianapolis and my 
home State of Indiana. It marks the first time that the World Rowing 
Championships will be held in this country. For 7 days the world's best 
men and women rowers will be competing at the Eagle Creek Reservoir in 
23 different events. More than 1,000 athletes from around the world are 
scheduled to participate.
  U.S. teams have had increasing success in recent World Championship 
competitions. Rowing enjoys a rich tradition in this country and our 
athletes continue to perform with distinction. This year's events will 
be very competitive as crews begin preparations for the 1996 Summer 
Olympics.
  Event organizers expect more than 250,000 spectators to come to 
Indianapolis for the competition. The city has become a mecca for 
amateur sports, and visitors will enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities 
as well as our famous Hoosier hospitality.
  USRowing is headquartered in Indianapolis. The organization has 
worked hard to bring this exciting event to the United States. I am 
pleased to be associated with its success. I join the rest of my 
Indiana colleagues in wishing all the athletes well.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my 
colleagues in supporting H.R. 4066, legislation which will grant duty 
waiver for several sports events, including the 1994 World Rowing 
Championships.
  From September 11-18, Indianapolis, IN will host the World Rowing 
Championships--the first time ever the event has been held in the 
United States. Over 1,000 men and women from more than 40 countries 
will be competing.
  Top rowers from every continent will assemble on Eagle Creek 
Reservoir, which is the only internationally certified racing course in 
the United States, to compete in 23 events.
  This legislation will enable competing teams to enter the United 
States without having to post bond on the racing equipment they will be 
bringing into the country. Racing shells, measuring more than 60 feet 
for 8-man crews, are worth more then $15,000 each without oars. 
Eliminating this expense and some of the associated redtape, lifts an 
enormous burden from all the teams, especially from less well off 
nations where the travel and shipping costs alone pose a considerable 
hurdle.
  I commend the Ways and Means Committee for acting so expeditiously on 
this legislation which is an important courtesy to the competing 
athletes.
  I also commend the organizers at USRowing for bringing this exciting 
event to Indianapolis. Amateur sports have played a major role in the 
revitalization of Indianapolis and I look forward to welcoming visitors 
from around the world to the world Championships in September.
  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, today the House considers important 
legislation, H.R. 4066, which would temporarily suspend duty on the 
personal effects of athletes participating in five international 
sporting competitions: the 1994 World Cup soccer games, the 1994 World 
Rowing Championships, the 1996 Summer Olympiad, the 1996 Paralympics, 
and the 1995 Special Olympics World Games.
  These last games are very close to my heart. Not only will they be 
held in my home State of Connecticut, but they represent a unique 
effort in the world of sports. The Special Olympics offer the 
opportunity to participate in Olympic-level competition against the 
best in the world--and to display to a global audience the 
extraordinary gifts of the competitors.
  The 1995 Special Olympics World Games are expected to be the largest 
sport event of 1995, and the largest sporting event ever held in 
Connecticut. For 9 days in July 1995, this small State will grow in 
size and spirit as the world joins us to witness the courage and 
achievement of Special Olympians from around the globe. Over 6,000 
athletes from more than 125 countries will participate in events from 
aquatics to volleyball. In addition, large numbers of international 
visitors are expected to travel to the United States in connection with 
the games.
  About half of the 6,700 athletes will come from overseas, as will 
half the coaches. They will bring with them family members, officials, 
delegation heads, dignitaries, and media. Together with U.S. 
representation, more than half a million people are expected to attend 
the games.
  The Special Olympics has evolved into an international movement--one 
that transcends nationalities, political philosophy, gender, age, race, 
and disability. At a time when in our history when civil conflict 
divides so many nations, these competitions celebrate sportsmanship and 
cooperation. The Special Olympics truly demonstrate the strength of the 
human spirit and the joy and pride of accomplishment.
  For Special Olympics athletes and for those participating in the 
other events, suspension of duties relieves what could be a heavy 
financial burden. Duties on uniforms and equipment, which are often 
donated, could all but bankrupt some teams, particularly those from 
developing countries. Beyond that, suspension of duties on these goods 
is also a way to demonstrate the warm welcome extended to foreign 
competitors by the U.S. Government, and the good will extended by the 
American public.
  One final note: I am very pleased that, by offering Special Olympians 
the same treatment afforded other athletes, we are complying with both 
the letter and the spirit of the Americans With Disabilities Act. In 
the eyes of this committee, and in the eyes of the Commissioner of 
Customs, there will be no difference between disabled and nondisabled 
competitors. They are all athletes. I believe this is an important 
precedent to set.
  I thank Chairman Rostenkowski, Chairman Gibbons and the Committee on 
Ways and Means for moving expeditiously on this bill and I urge my 
colleagues to support H.R. 4066.
  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of enactment of 
H.R. 4066, introduced by Chairman Rostenkowski, and to which I am an 
original cosponsor.
  H.R. 4066 would suspend duty on the personal effects of participants 
in international sporting events.
  Mr. Speaker, the World Cup is coming to Chicago this June. I 
introduced legislation to suspend the duty on the personal effects of 
participants in the World Cup. That legislation has been incorporated 
into H.R. 4066.
  The World Cup is the single largest sporting event in the world. 
Chicago, and eight other metropolitan areas are hosting it for the 
first time. The Department of Commerce estimates the revenue impact of 
the games to the Nation will be a staggering $4 billion. In addition, 
we expect a total of 1.5 million international visitors to visit our 
shores for the games. Needless to say, the World Cup will be a 
tremendous boost for the economy of the United States in general, and 
Chicago in particular.
  Hosting the World Cup is a great opportunity for Chicago and the 
Nation. For soccer fans, and those who will see world class level 
soccer in the United States for the first time, it promises to be an 
exciting tournament.
  I thank the chairman for his efforts to enact this legislation. 
Similar legislation has been enacted in the past for the 1984 summer 
Olympics in Los Angeles, as well as the World University games and the 
Pan-American games.
  The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill would cause 
no change in Federal Government receipts. This bill merely simplifies 
the entry procedure and avoids the necessity of posting bonds.
  I urge my colleagues' support for passage of H.R. 4066.
  Mr. SHARP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call special attention to 
H.R. 4066, legislation which would suspend temporarily the duty on the 
personal effects of participants in the 1994 World Rowing Championships 
that are being held at Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis, IN, from 
September 11 to 18.
  This event marks the first time the world rowing championships have 
been held in the United States and I am proud to have the Hoosier State 
hosting this historic event. The championships evolved from the 
European championships which were first held in 1893 and have occurred 
every year since. Competing will be more than 1,000 athletes--both men 
and women--from more than 40 countries.
  Rowing has a long history in America. Watermen carrying cargo in the 
New York Harbor used to race for prestige; the fresh produce carriers 
versus the carriers of the dry goods. It quickly caught on as a great 
spectator sport. And the tradition continues today as the ``Head of the 
Charles'' now attracts over 250,000 spectators.
  It is my pleasure to support this legislation which has become part 
of an omnibus sports event duty free bill. Although this bill includes 
other highly respectable amateur competitions being held in the United 
States this decade, it is particularly important to rowing because of 
the expensive equipment it requires. Waiving the bond requirement for 
the equipment relieves the competing teams of an unnecessary expense 
and eases their entry into the United States.
  Again, I would like to express my excitement over the 1994 World 
Rowing Championships and invite all my colleagues, rowers and 
nonrowers, to visit the beautiful city of Indianapolis and become 
spectators to this event.
  Mr. MYERS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues 
by adding my support for H.R. 4066, which would establish a duty waiver 
for the 1994 World Rowing Championships in Indianapolis.
  This year, the United States will host the rowing championship for 
the first time in the event's history. From all over the world, more 
than 1,000 male and female athletes will compete on Eagle Creek 
Reservoir in Indianapolis on September 11-18, 1994. Like the other 
world-class athletes who have competed in events in Indianapolis, they 
will enjoy the contemporary facilities and generous hospitality that 
has made Indianapolis one of America's premier sports cities.
  Competitive rowing in America dates back to the 1800's and has grown 
nationwide in recent years with numerous competitive rivalries. In 
addition to being the home of the United States Rowing Association, 
Indianapolis also boasts numerous school and collegiate rowing programs 
that are among the finest in the Nation.
  More than 250,000 fans are expected to watch the race on Eagle Creek 
Reservoir, which is part of the largest city-owned park in America. 
Twenty-three events will be featured, from single shells to eight-man 
crews.
  This legislation, in addition to smoothing the entry process for the 
athletes and their equipment, will waive the requirement that visiting 
teams post bond on the boats and oars they bring with them. This will 
be of great assistance to the visiting crews, many of whom come from 
countries that already are overwhelmed by the cost of travel to and 
lodging in the United States
  I invite you to come to Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis in 
September to see the fastest men and women rowers in the world.
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mazzoli). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Rostenkowski] that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4066, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________