[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN SUPPORT OF FREE TRADE OF SOFTWOOD LUMBER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution 
with my colleague from Arizona, Mr. Kolbe, and a bi-partisan group of 
30 other Members. This resolution supports affordable housing for all 
Americans and promotes free trade of softwood lumber between the United 
States and Canada.
  This resolution expresses the Sense of the Congress that the 1996 
U.S./Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) should not be extended when 
it expires in 2001. The President should continue discussions with the 
Government of Canada to promote open and competitive trade between the 
United States and Canada of softwood lumber, and that all stakeholders 
should be included in discussions regarding trade of softwood lumber.
  The Softwood Lumber Agreement of 1996 was intended to promote free 
trade; however, it appears to have had the opposite effect. More 
importantly, the expansion of this agreement is directly affecting 
consumers by increasing the cost of lumber used for homebuilding. For 
many Americans owning a home is a dream come true, but if lumber prices 
climb and homes are not affordable, for many Americans it will remain a 
dream unfulfilled.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this resolution that will help ensure 
affordable housing for all Americans.

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