[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 THE EQUITABLE TRANSPORTATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES INTO THE UNITED STATES

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                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced a concurrent 
resolution calling for the Clinton administration to take all necessary 
and appropriate steps to insure fair and equitable participation of 
U.S.-flag vessels, owned, operated and crewed by citizens of the United 
States, in the transportation of motor vehicles in the foreign commerce 
of the United States. If measurable progress on this matter is not made 
by the time Congress reconvenes next year, I intend to introduce and 
aggressively move legislation to open the vitally important car carrier 
trade to U.S.-flag carriers.
  Each year, millions of motor vehicles are imported to the United 
States from abroad, almost all of which are transported by foreign-flag 
vessels, owned, operated and controlled by foreign companies and crewed 
by foreign seafarers. While the world car carrier fleet numbers well 
over 300 vessels, only 4 of these vessels are U.S.-flag. Foreign 
shipping companies and foreign automobile manufacturers are clearly 
engaging in unfair trading practices--condoned and facilitated by 
foreign governments--which have the effect of eliminating or minimizing 
the participation of U.S.-flag vessels and U.S. seafarers in the 
transportation of motor vehicles in the foreign commerce of the United 
States. These unfair and unjustified practices must end. U.S.-flag 
vessels must be given the opportunity to complete in this trade on a 
fair and equitable basis.
  Mr. Speaker, my concurrent resolution simply asks the President, the 
U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Secretary of Commerce to redouble their efforts through bilateral 
negotiations or otherwise to eliminate these unfair and anti-
competitive practices. I urge all members to lend their support this 
resolution. Should favorable action not be taken on this matter in the 
near future, I expect for my committee and the Congress to address this 
issue early next year.

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