Bill Archer: “I am very pleased today to support H.R. 3074. I congratulate my colleagues, Chairman Crane and Mr. Shaw, in working hard…”

“I am very pleased today to support H.R. 3074. I congratulate my colleagues, Chairman Crane and Mr. Shaw, in working hard to bring this important piece of legislation before the House today. This bill enjoys bipartisan support and is noncontroversial. H.R. 3074 would permit the expansion of preferential tariff treatment in the Middle East, specifically to goods from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and qualifying industrial zones in the area. This provision would implement an agreement with the Palestinian authority that would benefit United States interests because United States products would also be accorded duty free access to these areas and steps would be taken to end illegal transshipment of goods not qualifying for such treatment. In addition, the Palestinian authority has agreed to support all efforts to end the Arab economic boycott of Israel. Although the impact of this legislation will not cover a large dollar amount of trade, I believe that it sends an important signal to encourage the Middle East peace process. I have always said that free trade is the most effective public policy tool that we possess to increase peace and prosperity in our society. This legislation is part of that process. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3074.”