[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SPECTER:
  S. 2467. A bill to suspend for 3 years the duty on triazamate; to the 
Committee on Finance.
  S. 2468. A bill to suspend for 3 years the duty on 2, 6-
dichlorotoluene; to the Committee on Finance.
  S. 2469. A bill to suspend for 3 years the duty on 3-Amino-3-methyl-
1-pentyne; to the Committee on Finance.
  S. 2470. A bill to suspend for 3 years the duty on fenbuconazole; to 
the Committee on Finance.
  S. 2471. A bill to suspend for 3 years the duty on methoxyfenozide; 
to the Committee on Finance.


                         Duty Suspension Bills

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I have sought recognition today to 
introduce five bills that will suspend import tariffs for three years 
on five chemicals used in the manufacturing of crop protection agents, 
Triazamate, Dichloro- toluene, Aminomethylpentyne, Fenbuconazole, and 
Methoxyfenozide.
  These chemicals are imported by Rohm and Haas Company, a 
multinational manufacturer of specialty chemicals headquartered in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tariffs on these products are not needed to 
protect American industry since these chemicals are not manufactured in 
the United States. Moreover, these chemicals have no other commercial 
end uses other than in the manufacture of pesticides used in 
agricultural applications. The revenue which would be forgone as a 
result of the proposed suspension of duty on these chemicals is minimal 
and has been estimated at less than $227,000 per chemical over the 
entire period of the suspension.
  These end products, used on farms around the globe, are considered 
important tools in the advancement of agriculture. They protect crops 
such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, grain and cotton, against fungal 
infections, weeds, agricultural mites, and insects. By providing 
adequate protection for these crops, farmers are able to market healthy 
produce and grains, while commanding the best prices for their goods.
  Established over 90 years ago, Rohm and Haas Company has grown to 
become one of the world's largest manufacturers of specialty chemicals. 
With 21,000 employees worldwide, the Company continues to maintain a 
significant presence throughout Pennsylvania, with research facilities 
in Newtown, Reading, and Spring House. Additionally, Rohm and Haas 
Company provides grants which support many community organizations 
active in the delivery of health and human services, education, and 
civic and community improvement.
  In consideration of the positive impact Rohm and Haas Company has on 
the global and local communities, I urge my colleagues to support these 
bills which will suspend the duties on the import of these 
chemicals.
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