Orrin Hatch: “I rise in support of Senator Brownback's amendment to the FY 2000 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, the aptly…”

“I rise in support of Senator Brownback's amendment to the FY 2000 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, the aptly named ``Silk Road Strategy Act.'' This act puts in place a much-needed strategy toward a much-overlooked part of the world, a part of the world that the U.S. would ignore at considerable risk. I commend my colleague from Kansas for the extraordinary effort he has committed to shaping this policy and drafting this legislation. Senator Brownback has spent several years studying this region, traveling through it, meeting with political leaders and economic decision makers and discussing his thoughts with the Administration. The fruits of this in-depth research and commitment are evident in this amendment. I also thank my colleague for working with me to include language in this bill that strengthens the U.S. policy of opening these markets and raising these countries' level of economic cooperation with the United States through bilateral investment treaties.”