[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR AKZO CHEMICALS OF 
                              CHICAGO, IL

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                          HON. CARDISS COLLINS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 1994

  Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
legislation on behalf of a company in my congressional district, Akzo 
Chemicals of Chicago, IL, that seeks to provide Federal relief to them 
for their past overpayments of U.S. Customs import duties.
  The Federal Government had mistakenly collected excess import duties 
and Akzo has now exhausted all administrative remedies to recover money 
that rightfully is theirs. I believe the U.S. Customs Service would 
agree with Akzo that the imported goods in question should have carried 
with them a lower duty rate, but at this point in time it seems that 
Customs' hands are tied, so to speak, in that the Service cannot refund 
the overpayments absent legislation requiring them to do so.
  The bill I am introducing today provides for the reliquidation of 
relevant Customs entries, which would ensure that Akzo will have paid 
only the duties required by law and will receive compensation only for 
the excess import duties mistakenly charged them.
  I am hopeful that this legislation will finally rectify this 
unfortunate situation.

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