[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PASSAGE OF U.S.-BAHRAIN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, over the past several years the Congress 
has worked hand-in-hand with the administration to foster greater peace 
and stability in the Middle East through trade. We have concluded and 
implemented free trade agreements with Israel, Jordan, and Morocco. We 
recently concluded negotiations with Oman and negotiations are ongoing 
with United Arab Emirates. Perhaps soon, we will launch negotiations 
with our good friend and ally, Egypt.
  Yesterday, with the passage of S. 2027, the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade 
Agreement Implementation Act, we took another historic step forward. 
Once this agreement enters into force, 98 percent of our agricultural 
exports to Bahrain will enter duty-free and 100 percent of our two-way 
trade in industrial and consumer products will be duty-free. The 
agreement sets a new standard on services, with broad commitments by 
Bahrain to open their service sector to our exports.
  Passage of the U.S.-Bahrain FTA will help advance the President's 
goal of achieving a Middle East Free Trade Area, MEFTA, by 2013. This 
visionary agenda is a key element in our efforts to help foster 
economic growth and prosperity in an important region of the world. It 
also reflects keen appreciation by the Bush administration of the 9/11 
Commission Report recommendation that ``a comprehensive U.S. strategy 
to counter terrorism should include economic policies to encourage 
development, more open societies, and opportunities for people to 
improve the lives of their families and to enhance prospects for their 
children's future.''
  I am pleased that we are able to take another step toward fulfilling 
this recommendation with passage of the Bahrain agreement. This would 
not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many 
people. I first want to recognize Ambassador Robert Zoellick. As the 
former U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Zoellick spearheaded our 
trade agenda, including initiation of negotiations with Bahrain. This 
year, Ambassador Portman took up the reigns as our U.S. Trade 
Representative. Ambassador Portman has proven to be an able and 
effective negotiator who faithfully works with Congress to achieve the 
best result for America in our trade agreements. Ambassador Portman was 
assisted by Catherine Novelli, before her departure, as well as her 
replacement, Ambassador Shaun Donnelly, both serving in their capacity 
as Assistant U.S. Trade Representatives for Europe and the 
Mediterranean.
  With the passage of this agreement, the Finance Committee continues 
its tradition of bipartisanship on trade. I appreciate the efforts of 
my ranking member, Senator Max Baucus, in helping remove any 
impediments to getting this done. An agreement such as this one also 
would not have been possible without the professionalism and work ethic 
of Senator Baucus' staff. In this regard, I owe thanks to Russ 
Sullivan, Democratic staff director, and Bill Dauster, deputy staff 
director, for their steadfast dedication to the Committee. Brian 
Pomper, chief international trade counsel to Senator Baucus, also 
deserves special thanks for his efforts as do Shara Aranoff, Demetrios 
Marantis, Anya Landau, Janis Lazda, and Chelsea Thomas.
  I also want to recognize the work of my Finance Committee staff. At 
the top of the list is Kolan Davis, my chief counsel and staff 
director. Kolan has been a valuable asset to this committee, lending 
his counsel and expertise to moving countless bills, including the 
Bahrain agreement. Everett Eissenstat, chief international trade 
counsel to the committee, has played an important part in seeing that 
this agreement is timely implemented. I appreciate his continued 
dedication to advancing our trade agenda.
  Everett manages a strong team of dedicated staff who consistently 
pull together to achieve our trade agenda. David Johanson, Stephen 
Schaefer, and Tiffany McCullen Atwell provide valuable support to the 
team. Their hard work and long hours are much appreciated. I also want 
to recognize Claudia Bridgeford, international trade policy assistant, 
and Russell Ugone, who is on detail to my staff from the Bureau of 
Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security. 
Both Claudia and Russ have contributed a great deal to the work of this 
committee.
  I would be remiss if I did not take this time to thank Mike Smythers, 
Special Assistant to the President for Senate Affairs from the White 
House Office of Legislative Affairs. I also want to thank Matt 
Niemeyer, Counselor and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for 
Congressional Affairs. Matt will soon be leaving the Office of the U.S. 
Trade Representative. Throughout his tenure, he has been a valuable 
ally in passage of much of our trade agenda. I appreciate his hard work 
and service to the American people.
  Matt was assisted by David ``Andy'' Olson, who provided critical 
support in moving this agreement. Jonathon Kallmer from the Office of 
General Counsel at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, also 
played a key role in working with Congress to ensure faithful 
implementation of the agreement. I appreciate both of their efforts. 
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank Polly Craghill senior 
counsel in the Senate's Office of Legislative Counsel, for her role in 
passing this agreement. Polly never falters in her efforts to provide 
timely technical expertise to this committee and her work is much 
appreciated.
  This is a good day for the United States and Bahrain. I hope 
President Bush will soon sign this bill and that we will see quick 
implementation of this historic agreement.

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