Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Speaker, it has been long-standing American policy to penalize nuclear proliferators. In fact, the so-called ``Glenn…”

“Mr. Speaker, it has been long-standing American policy to penalize nuclear proliferators. In fact, the so-called ``Glenn amendment,'' which we are modifying today, was supported by the Clinton administration and was adopted by the 103d Congress. This bill, as amended, would permit taxpayer financing of certain commodity shipments to India and to Pakistan. It was approved in a slightly different form by unanimous rollcall vote in the other body. It extends an existing exemption for food assistance already contained in the law to financing food shipments. It also changes the definition of agricultural products and extends an exemption to include medicines. The bill is necessary because, after extensive review, the Justice Department concluded that the law prohibits export credit guarantees for Pakistan. In response, we are making the necessary adjustments and showing ourselves capable of responding in a timely fashion to adjust these laws, if necessary. We have made, in consultation with the Agriculture Committee, a series of changes to the Senate-passed bill.”