Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to urge you to submit the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) tothe Congress for consideration by June 1, 2001. Submitting this important and historic agreementto Congress by this date would allow Congress to consider it at the same time it considers thePresident's decision to renew the waiver of the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Vietnam.
As you know, Vietnam is covered by the provisions of the 1974 Jackson-Vanik amendment.The Jackson-Vanik amendment created a very specific process on how such agreements will beconsidered. I believe it is important for the Vietnam BTA to be considered under thesepre-established procedures. These procedures would allow for a vote within a specified time frame,increasing the likelihood of quick approval of the agreement this year.
More importantly, congressional consideration of the agreement at this time is also in theinterest of the United States. This agreement, one of the most comprehensive bi-lateral tradeagreements the U.S. has ever negotiated, will provide U.S. agriculture and business with significantnew opportunities within the Vietnamese market. I have heard from many of my colleagues on theimportance of this agreement. I believe a strong bi-partisan vote on this agreement will lay thegroundwork for broader cooperation, and more progress, on the other important trade initiatives wehave before us.
Thank you for considering my views, and I look forward to working with you in moving thisagreement through the Senate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
Source: Ranking Member’s News
