[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H7613-H7614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FAST TRACK DEBATE

  (Mr. BROWN of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House

[[Page H7614]]

for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, former Presidential candidate Bob 
Dole has been hired by the Government of Chile to sue the United States 
in a trade dispute over salmon. The Chilean Embassy expressed the hope 
and expectation that Senator Dole would advise the Chilean Government 
on its political strategy on the fast track debate now being conducted 
in Congress. I would urge Senator Dole to reconsider his decision.
  This is business as usual, and it underscores how bad trade 
agreements make their way through Congress. Foreign governments have 
tremendous resources to hire lobbyists with powerful connections. These 
lobbyists often are prominent ex-Senators, ex-trade officials, and ex-
Members of Congress. However, Bob Dole is different; he is not just 
another politician.
  I am not saying Senator Dole has done anything wrong. He left the 
Senate in June 1996, so he is not bound by the 1-year revolving door 
laws. He is free to represent Chile if he wants. Former Presidential 
candidate Dole is free to sue the American Government on behalf of the 
Government of Chile if he wants, but it is simply not right. Senator 
Dole is playing on the visitor's team. He should play on the home team. 
We want him on America's team, not Chile's team.

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