[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 111--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS 
  REGARDING ENSURING A COMPETITIVE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET FOR SOFTWOOD 
                                 LUMBER

  Mr. NICKLES (for himself, Mr. Kyl, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Graham, Mr. 
Grassley, and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following concurrent resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Finance:

                            S. Con. Res. 111

       Whereas the United States and Canada have, since 1989, 
     worked to reduce tariff and nontariff barriers to trade;
       Whereas free trade has greatly benefited the United States 
     and Canadian economies;
       Whereas the United States and Canada have been engaged in 
     an ongoing dispute over trade in soft-wood lumber for 18 
     years;
       Whereas on May, 29, 1996, the United States and Canada 
     entered into an agreement to temporarily resolve the dispute;
         Whereas the United States-Canada Softwood Lumber 
     Agreement of 1996 does not promote open trade;
       Whereas the scope of the United States-Canada Softwood 
     Lumber Agreement of 1996 has been expanded, leading to 
     uncertainty for importers, distributors, retailers, and 
     purchasers of softwood lumber products;
       Whereas the availability of affordable housing is important 
     to the American homebuyer;
       Whereas lumber price volatility jeopardizes housing 
     affordability; and
       Whereas the United States-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement 
     of 1996 will expire on April 1, 2001: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement of 
     1996 should terminate on April 1, 2001, with no extension or 
     further quota agreement;
       (2) 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
       (3) the President should consult with all stakeholders, 
     including consumers of softwood lumber products, in future 
     discussions regarding the open trade of softwood lumber 
     between the United States and Canada.

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