[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DUTY SUSPENSION FOR TWO CHEMICALS

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                        HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, since my arrival in Congress, I have filed 
duty suspensions for a number of companies in my district and I am 
pleased to file one today at the request of EMS-American Grilon of 
Sumter, SC. This bill would grant a 2-year duty suspension for two 
chemicals, caprolactam blocked methylene, also known as Grilbond IL-6, 
and beta hydroxyalkylamide, also known as Primid XL-552. Grilbond IL-6 
is used in aqueous adhesive systems for pretreatment of reinforcing 
polyester yarns or fabrics. Primid XL-552 is utilized to cure carboxyl 
functional polyester and acrylic resins. It has been employed in the 
architectural, general metal-industrial and automotive market sectors.
  EMS-American Grilon imports Grilbond IL-6 and Primid XL-552 from 
Switzerland and passage of the bill will save the company approximately 
$100,000 in annual duties. EMS employs almost 100 workers in my 
district and passage of this bill will protect those jobs by saving the 
company a significant cost and thereby ensuring the company's continued 
success.
  EMS-American Grilon believes that neither Grilbond IL-6 nor Primid 
XL-552 are produced in the United States which means that suspending 
the duties will not jeopardize any U.S. jobs. The company also believes 
that the cost of the duty suspensions will be small. While it is too 
late for Congress to pass the bill this year, I am filing the measure 
now to initiate a public notice and comment period. Federal agencies 
and the public will have an opportunity to examine the duty suspensions 
and submit comments. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office will 
complete a cost estimate of the legislation. By the time Congress 
reconvenes next year, we will know the cost and we will know whether 
there is any American company which could be injured by the bill's 
enactment. That information will help us decide whether to move forward 
with the bill. I am pleased to help an important employer in my 
district and I look forward to the review this bill will initiate.

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