Cord Byrd: “I strongly support the adoption of the amendment introduced by the senior Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Hollings]. On…”

“I strongly support the adoption of the amendment introduced by the senior Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Hollings]. On the face of it, it is a straightforward, simple proposition that attempts to preserve the integrity of the laws that we pass, and that are the subject of discussion and/or negotiation between the United States and other nations. It says that if our Executive branch negotiators reach an agreement which amends or repeals U.S. law, that agreement may not be implemented until the agreement is approved by the Congress. Who could dispute such an obviously valid proposition? The case at hand, the negotiation of a new telecommunications services agreement, apparently effects changes in U.S. law dealing with access to the U.S. market in relation to the access of American companies into foreign markets. This is a matter which was very controversial in connection with the consideration of the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996.”