Robert Torricelli: “in regard to the amendment offered by the Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Dodd, this institution should take some pause.…”

“in regard to the amendment offered by the Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Dodd, this institution should take some pause. This is some moment. Thirty years of American foreign policy by Democrats and Republicans are about to be put aside. The consequences of what Senator Dodd suggests that we do here are enormous. Consider the moment. These are not isolated humanitarian items. This would open trade for the United States of America with the greatest rogue regimes in the world, where Presidents of the United States, through 3 decades, have drawn the line and said that we will not do business with these governments unless and until they take specific actions to free their people, allow basic human rights, or make basic concessions in their relations with the United States. We are about to clear the table and tell them all is forgotten and all is forgiven. Consider the actions, Mr. President, through the years about what would be changed. In my State, perhaps more than most in this country, tonight every Member of this Senate would have to address the families of the victims of Pan Am 103.”