[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCING THE BELARUS FREEDOM ACT OF 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Belarus Freedom 
Act of 2004. This bill will graduate Belarus from the requirements of 
the Jackson-Vanik statute and thereby establish permanent normal trade 
relations with that country.
  The Jackson-Vanik amendment was adopted in 1974, during a time when 
the U.S.S.R. was imposing enormous ``education repayment fees'' on 
anyone seeking to emigrate from that country. The statute was designed 
to prevent temporary restoration of an already suspended ``most favored 
nation'' treatment unless its freedom of emigration requirement is 
complied with. After the break-up of the U.S.S.R., the successor 
countries found themselves subject to Jackson-Vanik--meaning that they 
had to prove yearly that they allowed free emigration in order to enjoy 
normal trade relations with the United States. Several former Soviet 
republics have already been permanently graduated from Jackson-Vanik, 
and several others are in the process of being graduated. Belarus has 
gained a presidential waiver for every year since 1992, indicating its 
ongoing compliance with the requirements. Therefore it is time to 
recognize the passing of the Soviet era and move on toward better trade 
relations with Belarus.
  Though some have tried to read additional requirements into the 
original amendment, Jackson-Vanik is in reality solely about freedom of 
emigration. And, as I have stated, Belarus has attained a Presidential 
waiver every year since 1992.
  Time and time again we see that peaceful trade and good relations 
with other countries does much more to foster democratization and 
liberalization than sanctions, diplomatic expulsions, and accusations. 
Our Founding Fathers recognized this when they cautioned against 
foreign entanglements and counseled instead free trade and friendly 
relations with all countries who seek the same.
  I hope my colleagues will join with me as cosponsors of this bill and 
support further constructive relations with the Republic of Belarus.

                          ____________________