[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 107 (Monday, August 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTERNATIONAL ANTI-BRIBERY AND FAIR COMPETITION ACT OF 1998

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                            HON. TOM BLILEY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 1998

  Mr. BLILEY. Mr. Speaker, last week I was pleased to introduce, 
together with Mr. Oxley, Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on 
Finance and Hazardous Materials, the International Anti-Bribery and 
Fair Competition Act of 1998. This legislation contains the changes to 
our laws necessary to implement the Organization for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of 
Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
  I believe that this Convention will help fight bribery overseas and 
level the playing field for American companies. I congratulate the 
Administration, and Secretary Daley in particular, for their role in 
negotiating this important agreement.
  Our nation already has one of the strongest anti-bribery laws in the 
world. It is my hope that by introducing this legislation we will be 
taking an important step forward in creating a fairer and more 
transparent international business environment. American business and 
workers, the most competitive and productive in the world, will be the 
biggest beneficiaries of fair and open competition.
  I look at introduction of this bill as the first step in a process 
and welcome and encourage the input of those who have suggestions on 
how we can work together to improve and enhance this legislation. I 
look forward to working with my colleagues on the Commerce Committee, 
with other Members of the House, with the Administration, with business 
and public interest groups and with other interested parties in 
developing the best possible legislation and moving the process 
forward.

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