[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23650]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO ENSURE FREER AND FAIRER TRADE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 1, 1999

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing a bill that provides the 
United States Trade Representative with additional tools to ensure 
freer and fairer world trade.
  For U.S. agriculture, trade is an essential part of their livelihood. 
Currently exports account for 30 percent of U.S. farm cash receipts and 
nearly 40 percent of all agricultural production is exported. U.S. 
farmers and ranchers produce much more than is consumed in the United 
States, therefore exports are vital to the prosperity and success of 
U.S. farmers and ranchers.
  For years, United States agriculture has provided a positive return 
to our balance of trade. In order to continue this positive balance, 
and to improve upon it, markets around the world must be open to our 
agricultural exports.
  One of the biggest threats to trade policy is the inability to make 
certain the trade agreements are adhered to and other countries live up 
to their commitments. This weakens support across the country for trade 
agreements. This is true for farmers and ranchers, and others 
interested in exporting United States goods around the world.
  The bill my colleagues and I are introducing today addresses this 
issue by requiring that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) 
periodically revise the list of goods subject to retaliation when a 
foreign country fails to comply with a WTO ruling. The goal of this 
legislation is implementation of the recommendations adopted in the WTO 
dispute settlement proceedings or in achieving a mutually satisfactory 
solution to the issue that gave rise to the dispute.
  Right now retaliation is the only authorized tool for persuading 
countries to comply with WTO decisions. No matter how selective USTR is 
in applying this retaliation tool, American jobs and businesses are 
affected. The preference is obviously that countries comply with WTO 
decisions and provide market access for the products of United States 
agriculture.
  That is the goal of this bill and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
this effort.

                            BILL EXPLANATION

       This bill amends section 306 of the Trade Act of 1974 by: 
     Requiring that if the United States imposes duties or 
     withdraws the benefits of a trade agreement because a country 
     fails to implement a World Trade Organization (WTO) decision, 
     the United States Trade Representative (USTR) must review and 
     revise its action 4 months after the date of the action and 
     every 6 months thereafter.
       The revision may be minor (``in whole or in part'').
       Exceptions: USTR may waive the requirement if: (1) USTR 
     determines that the targeted country is ready to implement 
     the WTO decision; or (2) USTR determines, in consultation 
     with the affected U.S. industry or petitioner in the case, 
     that revision of the action is unnecessary.
       Standard for revision: USTR shall act in a manner that is 
     most likely to result in implementation of the 
     recommendations adopted in the dispute settlement proceeding, 
     or in achieving a mutually satisfactory solution to the issue 
     that gave rise to the dispute.

     

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