-Caveat Lector- June 17, 1999 Africa Trade Bill Headed for Senate By TOM RAUM Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- Supporters of legislation that would grant trade benefits to Africa are optimistic for its chances this year after it gained broad bipartisan support in the House. The measure, designed to spur economic growth and private investment in 48 sub-Saharan countries, now goes to the Senate after Friday's 234-163 House vote. The House passed almost identical legislation last year, but it died in the Senate. Some senators based opposition partly on fears that the legislation could hurt American textile workers. Others opposed it over an unrelated trade dispute. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., the measure's Senate sponsor, said the legislation ``encourages a transition from aid to trade.'' ``We have a historic opportunity to help integrate African countries into the global economy,'' he said. The region, with 700 million people, now accounts for only 2 percent of U.S. trade. The measure would grant duty-free and quota-free treatment to many products, particularly textiles and apparel, and promote private investment in Africa. To qualify for the trade preferences, the countries would have to establish and maintain market-driven economies and refrain from violating their citizens' human rights. U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky called the House vote ``a vital step toward promoting further economic growth and reform in Africa. ... It is the best opportunity in decades to create the right relationship with the Africa of the future.'' Opposition to the bill came from lawmakers from Southeastern textile states and from those who suggested it would benefit large multinational corporations at the expense of African sovereignty. Some opponents said they worried that China and other low-wage Asian countries would send products to Africa to be relabeled and shipped to the United States to avoid duties and tariffs. ``There will be a national holiday in China when this bill passes,'' said Rep. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. ``There's going to be a stamp that says `Made in Africa,' but the slave labor will come from China.'' However, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chairman of the International Relations subcommittee on Africa, said any country found to be engaging in such so-called transshipment could be removed from the program of trade preferences. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said the House vote ``sends a strong message to the Senate that the emerging democracies of Africa must be included when it comes to U.S. trade policy.'' ------< The bill is H.R. 434. http://www.newsday.com/ap/rnmpwh1d.htm Bard Visit me at: The Center for Exposing Corruption in the Federal Government http://www.xld.com/public/center/center.htm Federal Government defined: ....a benefit/subsidy protection racket! DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
