[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MISCELLANEOUS TRADE AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 4, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Madam Speaker, I speak in support of H.R. 4342. H.R. 
4342 includes the text of several pieces of legislation that I 
introduced. I also wanted to thank Chairman Crane, the rest of the Ways 
and Means Committee, the Subcommittee on Trade and their respective 
staffs for working with me on these bills.
  The bills I introduced granted a duty suspension on several products 
used in the coatings and plastics industry. These products are organic 
replacements for colorants that use heavy metals, such as lead, 
molybdenum, chrome, and cadmium. We have all heard about the 
environmental and health consequences associated with using heavy 
metals, especially lead. Using organic materials in place of heavy 
metals is a step in the right direction toward protecting our 
environment and our health.
  Tariffs are generally imposed to protect American companies from an 
unfair disadvantage from foreign competitors. When a tariff becomes a 
hindrance to American competitiveness, it needs to be reconsidered. In 
this case, maintaining tariffs results in substantial costs to U.S. 
businesses. Removing these tariffs will better enable U.S. businesses 
to compete, and maintain stable employment and production levels.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

                          ____________________