[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RULING AGAINST MICROSOFT

  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to voice my strong 
opposition to yesterday's ruling by the European Commission against the 
Microsoft Corporation.
  While Arkansas is not the headquarters of the Microsoft Corp., we are 
keenly aware of the negative impact that the European Union's 
protectionist trade actions have on American business and our Nation's 
economic growth and job creation.
  Time and time again, farmers and agribusiness in my state have been 
denied the opportunity to compete in the European market.
  As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am dedicated to 
ensuring a level playing field with our trading partners.
  This goal cannot be accomplished alone. It will require a 
multinational cooperative effort which developed countries like the 
United States and Europe must lead.
  The EU's actions, specifically the one taken yesterday, are a 
significant step in the wrong direction.
  I encourage the administration to continue to engage their European 
counterparts and demand a more cooperative effort.
  I yield the floor.

                          ____________________