September 19,2000

Roth Statement at Tariff Suspension and Trade Act Markup

WASHINGTON -- The Senate Finance Committee met today to mark up the Tariff Suspension and Trade Act. Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE) delivered the following opening statement:

"Our next order of business is the Tariff Suspension and Trade Act of 2000. As we have done every Congress, this bill is a compilation of uncontroversial duty suspensions and technical changes to the trade laws. The Chairman's mark combines Senate bills with H.R. 4868 as passed by the House in a unanimous vote. The bill's provisions have been vetted through both a public comment and administration comment process.

"Products that receive a duty suspension include a broad range of chemicals, including those used to manufacture drugs in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and environmentally friendly herbicides and insecticides. I am pleased to note that the bill also includes a provision that would ban the importation of products made with dog or cat fur, a bill I introduced. There is also a well-timed provision that would provide for the duty-free treatment of the personal effects of participants entering the United States to participate in all international athletic events, including the Olympics. "

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