[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6764-S6765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TREATY WITH PANAMA ON MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS--TREATY 
                            DOCUMENT 102-15

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the following treaty on the Executive Calendar: Calendar No. 
3, Treaty Document 102-15.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LOTT. I further ask unanimous consent that the treaty be 
considered as having been passed through its various parliamentary 
stages up to and including the presentation of resolution of 
ratification; that the two committee provisos be considered and agreed 
to, and no other provisos, reservations, or understandings be in order; 
that any statements be printed in the Congressional Record as if read; 
that when the resolution of ratification is agreed to, the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table; that the President be notified of 
the Senate's action; and that following disposition of the treaty, the 
Senate return to legislative session.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask for a division vote on the resolution 
of ratification.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. All those in favor of the resolution of 
ratification will rise and stand until counted. (After a pause.) Those 
opposed will rise and stand until counted.
  In the opinion of the Chair, on a division, two-thirds of the 
Senators present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the 
resolution of ratification is agreed to.
  The resolution of ratification is as follows:

       Resolved, (two-thirds of the Senators present concurring 
     therein), That the Senate advise and consent to the 
     ratification of the Treaty between the United States of 
     America and 
     [[Page S6765]] the Republic of Panama On Mutual Assistance in 
     Criminal Matters, With Annexes and Appendices, signed at 
     Panama on April 11, 1991. The Senate's advice and consent is 
     subject to the following two provisos, which shall not be 
     included in the instrument of ratification to be signed by 
     the President:
       Nothing in this Treaty requires or authorizes legislation, 
     or other action, by the United States of America prohibited 
     by the Constitution of the United States as interpreted by 
     the United States.
       Pursuant to the rights of the United States under this 
     Treaty to deny requests which prejudice its essential public 
     policy or interest, the United States shall deny a request 
     for assistance when the Central Authority, after consultation 
     with all appropriate intelligence, anti-narcotic, and foreign 
     policy agencies, has specific information that a senior 
     government official who will have access to information to be 
     provided under this Treaty is engaged in or facilitates the 
     production or distribution of illegal drugs.
     

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