Dick Lugar: “I support Senator Voinovich's efforts to promote normal trade relations with Serbia and Montenegro. Serbia and…”

“I support Senator Voinovich's efforts to promote normal trade relations with Serbia and Montenegro. Serbia and Montenegro is one of only a handful of countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States, and the lack of normal trade relations subjects Serbia and Montenegro to high tariff rates, making it difficult for them to grow their economy. While I do not believe that the State Department authorization bill is the appropriate vehicle for this important legislation, I share the concern of Senator Voinovich and so many other members that the miscellaneous tariff reduction legislation, which includes the provision granting normal trade relations to Serbia and Montenegro, move forward expeditiously. This legislation has been held up for six months for reasons unrelated to any of the provisions in the legislation. In addition to the provision for Serbia and Montenegro, the legislation contains a number of tariff eliminations that help U.S. companies and workers, as well as three provisions that are important for economic development in Africa. Recently I joined 65 of my colleagues in signing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Frist urging him to bring the legislation up under normal Senate procedures. It is my hope that this legislation will pass the Senate soon. I thank my colleague for raising this important issue, and I pledge to work with him on its passage.”