Thomas Foley: “I first applaud the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane) for his fine leadership on many of the trade issues our…”

“I first applaud the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane) for his fine leadership on many of the trade issues our committee considers. As a Floridian, I want to underscore the importance of trade with our Caribbean Basin neighbors and also trade with Africa. I applaud it when Members of this Congress can come together in a reasonable fashion to talk about the economic realities and opportunities that are presented through these bills. I think this is the hallmark of this Congress where we can come together and discuss with some differences, yet support for the underlying measure. This will enhance trade with Africa, which is vitally important. We also have to underscore, while we are talking about Africa, some of the most serious considerations relative to AIDS that are afflicting that region. I have worked with our former colleague, Mr. Dellums, on that issue; and I will continue to do so. But one way that we can help in Africa today is inspiring and working towards increased trade with that region. So I again thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means, for his leadership on this issue, and I urge Members to vote affirmatively for the package today.”