[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H4516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              UNITED STATES-JAPAN AUTO PARTS NEGOTIATIONS

  (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, the meetings that begin today in Canada 
between the world's four economic powers mark another critical juncture 
in this country's ongoing effort to level the playing field for 
Japanese-American automotive trade. Although progress has been made in 
this area since talks began 4 years ago, much remains to be done.
  This is not a question of demanding one-sided concessions: an 
improved trade situation is in the interest of both countries. Motor 
vehicle and equipment manufacturing is the largest U.S. manufacturing 
industry, and a cornerstone of America's industrial base. The ``Big 
Three'' alone--Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors--employ almost 
700,000 Americans, and are among the largest employers of research 
engineers and scientists in the country. Thus the health of the U.S. 
auto industry has far-reaching implications for the larger U.S. economy 
and its competitiveness. Japan stands to gain, as well, including 
Japanese consumers, who currently pay prices for auto parts that are on 
average 340 percent higher than for identical parts in the United 
States.
  Resolution of this crucial imbalance can set an important precedent, 
not only for anyone seeking access to Japan's markets, but also for 
American access to and competitiveness in other critical markets 
overseas. I strongly urge Ambassador Kantor to continue his effective 
leadership on this issue. I am confident that with a healthy balance of 
trade, this important relationship can flourish rather than flounder.

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