[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S15223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, WTO MEETING

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now turn to H. Con. Res. 190, regarding the Seattle, WA WTO meeting, 
the resolution be considered agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, all without any intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 190) was agreed to.
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate has unanimously 
supported this concurrent resolution. As the United States prepares for 
the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle, it is important that 
Congress send this message--that electronic commerce should be free of 
tariff and non-tariff barriers, and of multiple and discriminatory 
taxation. At this time, I do want to make one clarification.
  The resolution urges a permanent international ban on tariffs on 
electronic commerce. It is my understanding that, in this context, this 
phrase really urges a permanent international ban on tariffs on 
electronic transmissions. Electronic transmissions is a more exact 
phrase, which more clearly reflects the findings of this resolution and 
the current negotiating position of the United States.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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