[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 146 (Monday, October 27, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11233-S11234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  UNITED STATES-JAPAN TRADE AGREEMENT

  Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, in light of the disturbing news in the 
stock market this afternoon, I thought it was appropriate to the bring 
to the attention of my colleagues that there is good news out there. 
The United States and Japan have concluded a trade agreement opening up 
the ports of Japan, ending a longstanding dispute between the United 
States and Japan. This agreement, when it is signed--and it is agreed 
to--will bring about changes that will benefit ocean-borne trade of 
both countries, the United States and Japan. The agreements will reform 
practices in the Japanese ports, to the benefit of importers, 
exporters, the ports, the workers, and the consumers both in the United 
States and Japan.
  This is good for trade relations between our two countries. The 
Japanese had for a long period of time prevented our ships from having 
the same rights to their ports, in terms of bringing our goods to that 
country, as we have afforded them when they came calling on ports in 
the United States. Therefore, this is good news for people who are 
engaged in trade relations and exports and import trade relations with 
Japan and the United States.
  I am very optimistic that this will bring about continued growth in 
those

[[Page S11234]]

markets, and I want to commend the Federal Maritime Commission, its 
Chairman, Hal Creel, and members of the administration, particularly 
Stu Eizenstat, for the good work they have done in bringing this to a 
conclusion.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the regular order.

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