[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 4, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



        AMERICAN FIRM COMPETES FOR TRANSMISSION PROJECT IN QATAR

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, the State of Qatar is planning a major 
expansion of its electric transmission system, which will be carried 
out under its phase IV transmission extension project. This project, 
with a value of more than $500 million, is being pursued by the energy 
group of Black & Veatch, which has headquarters in Overland Park, KS. 
Many of the firm's employees are constituents of mine. We are proud of 
this competitive American company. It is a world leader in the field of 
electrical power generation and distribution, and is recognized for the 
technological and managerial quality of power projects that it has 
undertaken over the years in more than 50 countries around the globe.
  Companies like Black & Veatch are part of the answer to bringing down 
our trade deficit, which is now running at an all-time high. The world 
needs U.S. Technology and U.S. Services, and we should do everything we 
can to ensure that our companies get the chance to compete in overseas 
markets.
  I have asked the Crown Prince of Qatar to give serious consideration 
to Black & Veatch's proposal for the electric transmission system 
project, and I ask unanimous consent that a copy of my letter to the 
Crown Prince be printed in the Record. I thank the Chair.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                                  U.S. Senate,

                                   Washington, DC, March 22, 1995.
     His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani,
     The Crown Prince, State of Qatar.
       Your Highness: I wish to express my hope that the State of 
     Qatar will give serious consideration to the proposal for the 
     Transmission Extension Project by Black & Veatch 
     International.
       I am aware that United States Secretary of Commerce Ron 
     Brown has visited with Your Highness and other top level 
     officials of the State of Qatar on this matter. In addition, 
     Secretary Brown has expressed his support of the Black & 
     Veatch International offer in a letter to Sheikh Hamad bin 
     Jassim bin Jahor al-Thani.
       Black & Veatch International is well known to me and to 
     many other U.S. Government officials for its high quality 
     services for infrastructure projects. Many of the firm's 
     principals and employees are constituents of mine. The firm's 
     worldwide dominance of electric power projects can advance 
     the State of Qatar's position in exporting LNG.
       I respectfully request that you consider Black & Veatch 
     International for the Phase IV Transmission Extension 
     Project.
           Sincerely,
                                                         Bob Dole.
     

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