[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 20 (Monday, February 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1470-S1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. THOMAS (for himself and Mr. Robb):
  S. 343. A bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory 
treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Mongolia; 
to the Committee on Finance.


                        MONGOLIA MFN LEGISLATION

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise as chairman of the Subcommittee on 
East

[[Page S1471]]

Asian and Pacific Affairs to introduce S. 343, a bill to authorize the 
extension of nondiscriminatory treatment--formerly known as ``most-
favored nation status''--to the products of Mongolia. I am pleased to 
be joined by Senator Robb and Senator McCain as original cosponsors.
  Mongolia has undergone a series of remarkable and dramatic changes 
over the last few years. Sandwiched between the former Soviet Union and 
China, it was one of the first countries in the world to become 
Communist after the Russian Revolution. After 70 years of Communist 
rule, though, the Mongolian people have recently made great progress in 
establishing a democratic political system and creating a free-market 
economy. Just last year, the country held its third election under its 
new constitution, resulting in a parliamentary majority for the 
coalition of democratic opposition parties. Rather than attempt to 
maintain its hold on power, the former government peaceably--and 
commendably--transferred power to the new government.
  Mongolia has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and 
cooperative relationship with the United States on trade and related 
matters since its turn towards democracy. We concluded a bilateral 
trade treaty with that country in 1991, and a bilateral investment 
treaty in 1994. Mongolia has received nondiscriminatory trading status 
since 1991, and has been found to be in full compliance with the 
freedom of emigration requirements of title IV of the Trade Act of 
1974. In addition, it has acceded to the agreement establishing the 
World Trade Organization.
  Mr. President, Mongolia has clearly demonstrated that it is fully 
deserving of joining the ranks of those countries to which we extend 
nondiscriminatory trade status. The extension of that status would not 
only serve to commend the Mongolians on their impressive progress, but 
would also enable the United States to avail itself of all its rights 
under the WTO with respect to Mongolia.
  I have another, more parochial, reason for being interested in MFN 
status for Mongolia. Mongolia and my home State of Wyoming are sister 
States; a strong relationship between the two has developed over the 
last 4 years. Many of Mongolia's provincial governors have visited the 
State, and the two governments have established partnerships in 
education, agriculture, and livestock management. Like Wyoming, 
Mongolia is a high plateau with mountains on the northwest border, 
where many of the residents make their living by raising livestock. I 
am pleased to see the development of this mutually beneficial 
relationship, and am sure that the extension of nondiscriminatory trade 
status will serve to strengthen it further.
  Mr. President, I introduced an identical bill in the last Congress at 
the very end of the legislative year, as did Congressman Bereuter in 
the House. We both realized that it was too late in the year to move 
the legislation forward before we adjourned sine die, but we hoped that 
by introducing the bill then that it would serve as a catalyst to 
serious discussion of the issue in this Congress. I was very 
appreciative that last year the distinguished chairman of the Finance 
Committee, Senator Roth, indicated his willingness to favorably 
consider the legislation early in this Congress, and look forward to 
working with him.
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