[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 138 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2079]]



              INTRODUCTION OF RULES OF ORIGIN LEGISLATION

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                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 13, 1999

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to amend the 
rules of origin for certain textile products. This bill would amend the 
rule of origin requirements contained in section 334 of the Uruguay 
Round Agreements Act (URAA) in order to allow dyeing, printing, and two 
or more finishing operations to confer origin on certain fabrics and 
goods. Specifically, this dyeing and printing rule would apply to 
fabrics classified as of silk, cotton, man-made, and vegetable fibers 
and certain products classified in enumerated headings of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
  Under current law, fabrics and certain products derive their origin 
in the country where the fabric is woven or knitted, notwithstanding 
any further processing (such as dyeing and printing). This bill would 
change that rule for fabrics and products included within its scope and 
would base origin determinations for customs and marking purposes in 
the place where these finishing operations take place.
  Enactment of this bill would also settle a longstanding dispute in 
the World Trade Organization (WTO) brought by the European Union (EU) 
against the United States regarding section 334 of the URAA. The 
Administration worked with the EU--in close consultation with U.S. 
industry--to resolve outstanding concerns with respect to section 334, 
and, in August, concluded a settlement with the EU, under which the 
Administration agreed to propose new legislation to Congress to amend 
section 334.
  I urge my colleagues to suport swift enactment of this bill. It is 
non-controversial, was drafted in consultation with domestic industry, 
will have minimal effect domestically, and will settle an outstanding 
trade irritant between the European Union and United States. I look 
forward to its passage into law in the remaining weeks of the 
congressional session.

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