[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 162 (Wednesday, November 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CLEAN DIAMOND TRADE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2001

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support 
for the ``Clean Diamond Trade Act,'' and, additionally, to express my 
support for those diamond-producing nations like Botswana that have 
served as a positive example during the development of this important 
legislation.
  The move to prevent so-called conflict diamonds from reaching U.S. 
markets has never been so important. Illegal diamond smuggling has 
helped prolong conflicts in which millions have been displaced, and 
millions more have been killed in brutal conflicts that have ravaged 
sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, recent reports in the Washington Post 
by editor Steve Coll and other news services that rebel warlords in 
nations such as Sierra Leone are mining diamonds for sale to the al 
Queda terrorist network have highlighted the need for this important 
legislation. Thus, efforts restricting this source of funding to blood-
thirsty factions that are running roughshod over the inalienable human 
rights due to the citizens of these war-torn nations are both highly 
commendable and exceedingly necessary. They serve to protect the lives 
of innocent African civilians, cut the funding sources of terrorist 
organizations, and thereby serve to protect the lives of innocent 
Americans.
  My only concern is that in this drive to cut war-mongering factions 
off from the funding that sustains them, Congress ensures that law-
abiding nations whose diamond industries support stable democracies not 
be a casualty of this very important and honorable piece of 
legislation.
  In April, some of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit 
Botswana, a country whose growing economy is inextricably linked to its 
legitimate diamond mining industry. During my visit, we met American 
ambassador John Lange, His Excellency President Festus Mogae, and 
Health Minister Joy Phumanbi, along with many other dignitaries and 
government officials. We toured the Jwaneng Mine and the Princess 
Marina Hospital. These meetings made a strong impression on me, 
particularly the tour of the hospital. It was a clear indication of the 
strides that Botswana has been able to make in its fight against AIDS 
and HIV infection through the revenue generated by its diamond 
industry.
  In these times of conflict and the proliferation of the AIDS pandemic 
that is devastating many sub-Saharan African Nations, Botswana stands 
out as an example of democracy in action. Its diamond industry and 
sound financial management has made Botswana's economy one of the 
fastest growing in the world. Botswana's successful development of its 
diamond industry has translated into the resources needed to bolster 
its democracy and fight the scourge of AIDS that is spreading so 
rapidly throughout the region.
  As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, these issues are of 
particular importance to me. The CBC has long focused on stabilizing 
the region and increasing economic growth and trade opportunities for 
sub-Saharan Africa. The protective language in section 4 of H.R. 2722 
is vitally important to achieving those ends. It establishes a 
framework under which diamonds from legitimate, law-abiding governments 
are separated from those originating in conflict zones. The legislation 
allows the president to import diamonds only from those countries that 
take effective measures to stop trade in conflict diamonds.
  Under the act, effective measures are defined as those that either 
(1) comply with the requirements of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 
on conflict diamonds, (2) meet the requirements of an international 
arrangement on conflict diamonds (provided that arrangement comports 
with Security Council Resolutions), or (3) contain certain ``minimum 
standards'' (e.g., the country requires that all rough diamond exports 
are packaged securely with officially validated documentation 
certifying country of origin, total carat weight, and value). Under 
this new framework, the Administration would have the authority to bar 
rough diamond imports from any country that does not have an effective 
system of rough diamond controls.
  This is imperative because it allows those who are lawfully engaged 
in building stable industries to support their economies to continue to 
grow and provide for the welfare of their citizens. To penalize 
countries who are legitimately mining diamonds to build vital 
infrastructure that provides better services and more opportunities to 
its citizens in order to punish those who would smuggle diamonds to 
achieve more sinister aims throws the baby out with the bath water. Any 
legislation dealing with the diamond trade must make a distinction 
between the two. Indeed, by drawing this bright line, Congress will not 
only cut funding to war criminals. Congress will have succeeded in 
supporting and bolstering trade opportunities with countries that can 
be held up as examples of success in this troubled region.
  This body will be well apprised of further successes. The bill 
requires that the President submit to Congress regular reports 
identifying countries involved in conflict diamond trade and describing 
actions taken by the United States and other countries to stop trade in 
conflict diamonds. Additionally, the bill specifies that the GAO 
transmit a report on the effectiveness of the Act within three years of 
its effective date.
  I commend Congress for addressing this very critical issue in such a 
responsible and effective manner. It is consistent with other 
Congressional initiatives to combat the AIDS pandemic and seek 
resolution to the numerous conflicts in the area. By singling out the 
export of so-called ``blood diamonds'' for sanction, this act will 
enhance the ability of legitimate diamond industries in the area to 
flourish, providing a much needed foundation on which economic and 
political stability can be built.




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