[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2070-E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE ENHANCEMENT OF TRADE, SECURITY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH SANCTIONS 
                               REFORM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PHILIP M. CRANE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I have long been concerned about the growing 
resort to unilateral trade sanctions to enforce foreign policy or other 
nontrade goals. I have always believed that before we impose sanctions, 
we should think long and hard about the effect of such sanctions on the 
U.S. economy and our businesses, workers, and consumers. There is 
little evidence that these sanctions have changed the behavior of the 
targeted government. Instead, the use of sanctions has translated into 
billions of dollars of lost opportunities here. In my view, the better 
policy is to pursue our goals with our trading partners through 
multilateral fora in an attempt to achieve consensus.

[[Page E2071]]

  In order to achieve this goal, I am, together with my colleague 
Congressman Hamilton from Indiana, today introducing legislation that 
would provide a framework for consideration of unilateral trade 
sanctions by the legislative and executive branches. The bill would not 
prohibit the imposition of trade sanctions, but it would establish a 
more deliberative and disciplined approach to U.S. sanctions policy.
  Specifically, the bill would establish consultations between Congress 
and the executive branch as well as consideration of alternatives to 
the use of sanctions. In addition, the bill would ensure that Congress 
and the administration have adequate information about the likely 
effectiveness and economic and humanitarian costs of a proposed 
sanction. The bill would provide for a detailed analysis of whether the 
proposed sanction is the best tool for achieving U.S. objectives. 
Finally, the bill would impose regular reporting and sunset 
establishments. I believe that such a framework would allow us to pause 
and examine the impact that sanctions would have before we rush into 
what may be a counterproductive effort.

                          ____________________