Text
04/22/98
/
13:13
CONG R NEAL
"a'
[4J 002
MA
ADVISORY
FROM THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 1998
No. TR-25
CONTACT: (202) 225-1721
Crane Announces Hearing on
U.S. Economic and Trade Policy ~foward Cuba
Congressman Philip M. Crane (R-IL), Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the
Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing on
U.S. economic and trade policy toward Cuba. The hearing
take place on Thursday,
May 7, 1998, in the main Committee bearing roomJ 1100 Longworth House Office
Building1 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
will
Oral testimony at this hearing will be from bQtQ. invited and public witnesses. In
addition, any individual or organization not scheduled for an oral appearance may submit a
writlen statement for consideration by the Committee or for inclusion in the printed record of the
hearing.
BACKGROUND:
Since the early I 960's, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of attempting to
isolate the island nation through a comprehensive economic and trade embargo. The authority
for these sanctions against Cuba was included in section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (P.L 87-195). In 1992, the sanctions were strengthened with the enactment into law ofthe
Cuban Democracy Act (P.L. 102-484). In particul.ar, the Act extended the prohibitions on
transactions \a.oith Cuba to subsidiaries of U.S. firms in third countries. At the same time, the
Cuban Democracy Act directs the President to take steps to ·end the trade embargo and to assist a
freely and democratically elected Cuban government. should one come to power. Another
component of U.S. policy under the Act consists of support measures for the Cuban people,
including U.S. private humanitarian donations, U.S. Government support for democracy-building
efforts, and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba (Radio and TV Marti).
In 1996, the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (P.L. 104-114), often referred
to as the "Helms-Burton" legislation, was enacted to further strengthen U.S. sanctions against
Cuba. Among other things, Helms-Burton codified all Cuban embargo executive orders and
regulations in force on March 12, 1996. In addition, the Act allows U.S. nationals to sue for
monetary damages in U.S. Federal court those persons who traffic property confiscated from
such U.S. nationals. Finally, it denies admission into the United States to certain aliens involved
in the confiscation or trafficking of U.S. property in Cuba.
Following the enactment of Helms-Burton. many U.S. trading partn~rs. including
Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the European Union (Ell). strongly criticized the legislation. arguing
that it constitutes an extraterritorial application of U.S. law contrary to international principles.
On November 20, I 996, the World Trade Organization (WfO) ag~ to a request from ___ EU
.
··-~ ., the .
-.
camng ror me rormauon or a azspute reso1uuon paneJ on ttelms•tlurton. un Apnt L 1, t 'J':J,, me
EU notified the WTO that it was suspending the dispute panel, pursuant to an understanding
reached 'With the United States to develop joint disciplines on dealings in property confiscated by
Cuba and other governments in contravention of international law. After meetings between the
United States and the EU in December 1997 and March 1998, EU officials stated that they would
resume the WTO challenge to Helms-Burton if no permanent solution to the dispute was found.
The EU has also raised concerns about Helms-Burton and the use of extraterritorial sanctions in
the context of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, which is being negotiated under the
auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
(MORE)
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04/22/98
13:13
CONG R NEAL
MA
-2The visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba on January 21-25, 1998, focused public attention
on U.S. economic and trade sanctions against Cuba. U.S. sanctions do not allow commen:ial
food exports to Cuba, and while commercial medical exports are allowed, there are several
restrictions on such exports as set forth in the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.
On March 20, 1998, President Clinton announced fow- changes in U.S. policy toward
Cuba. Specifically, the President announced: (1) the resumption of licensing for direct
humanitarian charter flights to Cuba (which had been curtailed after the February 1996
shootdown of two U.S. civilian planes), (2) the resumption of cash irernittances up to $300 per
quarter for the support of close relatives in Cuba (which had been c,.lrtailed in August 1994 in
response to the migration crisis with Cuba), (3) the development of licensing procedures to
streamline and expedite licenses for the commercial sale of medicines and medical supplies and
equipment to Cuba., and (4) a decision to work on a bipartisan basis with Congress on the transfer
of food to the Cuban people.
In announcing the hearing, Chairman Crane stated: "In the wake of the Pope's visit in
January, I believe that it is an appropriate time for the Subcommitte,~ to review U.S. economic
and trade policy toward Cuba. I look forward to reviewing the status of our economic and trade
policy towards Cuba, particularly with respect to the humanitarian assistance provided by U.S.
citizens to the Cuban people."
..
'
FOCUS OF THE HEARING:
The focus of the hearing is to examine: (1) U.S. economic and trade policy toward Cuba
and the impact of the U.S. embargo on the Cuban people, (2) the prospects for future economic
relations in light of the Pope's recent visit, (3) the status ofhumanitB!rian assistance extended to
the Cuban people, and (4) how U.S.-Cuba policy, particularly the Helms-Burton legislation, has
affected relations with U.S. trading partners.
DETAILS FOR SUBMISSIONS OF REQUESTS TO BE HEARD:
Requests to be heard at the hearing must be made by telephone to Traci Altman or
Bradley Schreiber at (202) 225-1721 no later than the close o(business, Thursday, April 30,
1998. The telephone request should be followed by a formal written request to A.L. Singleton,
Chief of Staff, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Repre1sentatives, 1102 Longworth
House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. The staff of the Subcommitlee on Trade will
notify by telephone those scheduled to appear as soon as possible after the filing deadline. Any
questions concerning a scheduled appearance should be directed to the Subcommittee on Trade
staff at (202) 225-6649.
In view of the limited time available to bear witnesses, the Subcommittee may not be
able to accommodate all requests to be heard. Those persons and organizations nut scheduled
for an oral appearance are encouraged to submit written statements for the record of the hearing.
All persons requesting to be heard, whether they are scheduled for oral testimony or not, will be
notified as soon as possible after the filing deadline.
Witnesses scheduled to present oral testimony are required to summarize briefly their
written statements in no more than five minutes. THE FIVE-MINUTE RULE WILL BE
STRICTLY ENFORCED. The full written statement of each wi1tness will be included in
the printed record, in accordance with House Rules.
!41003
~
'
In order to assure the most productive use of the limited amount of time available to
question witnesses, all witnesses scheduled to appear before the Subcommittee are required to
submit 200 copies of their prepared statement and an IBM compatible 3.5-inch diskette in ASCII
DOS Text or WordPerfect 5.1 format, for review by Members prior to the hearing. Testimony
should arrive at the Subcommittee on Trade office, room 1104 Longworth House Office
.Building, no later than Tuesday, May 5, 1998. Failure lo do so may result in the witness being
denied the opportunity to testify in person.
(MORE)
04/22/98
CONG R NEAL
13: 14
MA
-3-
WRITTEN STATEMEISTS IN LIEU OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE:
Any person or organization wishing to submit a \Vlltten statement for the printed record
of the hearing should submit at least six (6) single-space legal-size copies of their statement,
along with an IBM compatible 3.5.inch disketre in ASCII DOS Text or WordPerfect 5.1 format
only, with their name, address, and hearing date noted on a label, by the close of business,
Thursday, May 21. 1998, to A.L. Singleton, Chief of Staff, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S.
House of Representatives, 1102 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. If
those filing written statements wish to have their statements distributed to the press and
interested public at the hearing, they may deliver 200 additional copies for this purpose to the
Subcommittee on Trade office, room 1104 Longworth House Offic4:: Building, at least one hour
before the hearing begins.
EORMATTING REQUIREMENTS:
Each sta.Lclmenl prc~c:nti=d for printing to the Committee: by a wilne5S, any wrinen statement or c:i:hibit submined for the printed record or
uny wriLLcn comments in rcsponse to a request for wri~n comments must conform to the guidelines listed below. Any statement or exhibit not
in <:0mpliance with these guideline~ will not be printed. but will be maintained in the Comminec files for review and use by the Comminee.
All sllltements and any accompanying exhibitS for printing must be typed in sini:le space on legal-size paper and may nol
I.
exceed a total of IO pages including nuachmenl.!l. At the same time vmttcn stati=mcnts arc submitted to 1.he Commillcc:, wilncsscs B!C now
rtqur:sted to submit their staICmcnL~ on an IBM compatible 3.S•inch disune in A~CIJ DOS Te:.:t or WordPerfect 5.1 format. Witnesses are
111hi5,d that the Commlnee will rrly on elecuonk subml~ioos•for printine rbe official b,anni: record.
z.
Copies of whole documents submincd a~ cxhihit material will not be accepted for printing. Instead, e:,;hibit material should b¢
referenced and quoted or pacaphmsc:d. All exhibit mau:rial not meeting these speelflen1ions will be maintained in the Committee files for
review and use by the Comminec.
J.
A witness appearing at a public hearin~. or submitting a s~ment for the record of a public hearing, or submining wrinen
commt!nts io response to a published request for comments by the Comminee. must include on his )!UW:ment or submission a list of a.II clients,
persons, or organizations on whos1: behalf the witness appears.
4.
A supplemental sheet must accompany each sllltemcnt listing the name. full address, n telephone number where the wimess or
the designated representative may be n:ached and a topical outline or summary <>f the commenL~ and rccommcnda1ions in rhe full statement.
This supplemental sheet will not be included in the printed record.
·
The nbove restrictions and limitations apply only to material being submitted for priming. Statements and exhibits or supplemcntar)'
mnterinl submitted solely for distribution 10 the Members. the press and the public during the course of a publi..: hc:llling may be submilli::<l in
other fonns.
Note: All Committee advisories and news releases are available on·the World Wide Web at
"http;//www.house.gov/ways_m~ans/".
The Committee seeks to make its facilities
accessible to persons with disabilities. If you are in
need of special accommodations, please call
202-225-1721 or 202-226-3411 TTD/TTY in
advance of the event (four business days notice is
requested). Questions with regard to special
accommodation needs in general (including
availability of Committee materials in alternative
formats) may be directed to the Committee as noted
- L - •. -
!41004
auvv~.
*****
/
13:13
CONG R NEAL
"a'
[4J 002
MA
ADVISORY
FROM THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 1998
No. TR-25
CONTACT: (202) 225-1721
Crane Announces Hearing on
U.S. Economic and Trade Policy ~foward Cuba
Congressman Philip M. Crane (R-IL), Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the
Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing on
U.S. economic and trade policy toward Cuba. The hearing
take place on Thursday,
May 7, 1998, in the main Committee bearing roomJ 1100 Longworth House Office
Building1 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
will
Oral testimony at this hearing will be from bQtQ. invited and public witnesses. In
addition, any individual or organization not scheduled for an oral appearance may submit a
writlen statement for consideration by the Committee or for inclusion in the printed record of the
hearing.
BACKGROUND:
Since the early I 960's, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of attempting to
isolate the island nation through a comprehensive economic and trade embargo. The authority
for these sanctions against Cuba was included in section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (P.L 87-195). In 1992, the sanctions were strengthened with the enactment into law ofthe
Cuban Democracy Act (P.L. 102-484). In particul.ar, the Act extended the prohibitions on
transactions \a.oith Cuba to subsidiaries of U.S. firms in third countries. At the same time, the
Cuban Democracy Act directs the President to take steps to ·end the trade embargo and to assist a
freely and democratically elected Cuban government. should one come to power. Another
component of U.S. policy under the Act consists of support measures for the Cuban people,
including U.S. private humanitarian donations, U.S. Government support for democracy-building
efforts, and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba (Radio and TV Marti).
In 1996, the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (P.L. 104-114), often referred
to as the "Helms-Burton" legislation, was enacted to further strengthen U.S. sanctions against
Cuba. Among other things, Helms-Burton codified all Cuban embargo executive orders and
regulations in force on March 12, 1996. In addition, the Act allows U.S. nationals to sue for
monetary damages in U.S. Federal court those persons who traffic property confiscated from
such U.S. nationals. Finally, it denies admission into the United States to certain aliens involved
in the confiscation or trafficking of U.S. property in Cuba.
Following the enactment of Helms-Burton. many U.S. trading partn~rs. including
Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the European Union (Ell). strongly criticized the legislation. arguing
that it constitutes an extraterritorial application of U.S. law contrary to international principles.
On November 20, I 996, the World Trade Organization (WfO) ag~ to a request from ___ EU
.
··-~ ., the .
-.
camng ror me rormauon or a azspute reso1uuon paneJ on ttelms•tlurton. un Apnt L 1, t 'J':J,, me
EU notified the WTO that it was suspending the dispute panel, pursuant to an understanding
reached 'With the United States to develop joint disciplines on dealings in property confiscated by
Cuba and other governments in contravention of international law. After meetings between the
United States and the EU in December 1997 and March 1998, EU officials stated that they would
resume the WTO challenge to Helms-Burton if no permanent solution to the dispute was found.
The EU has also raised concerns about Helms-Burton and the use of extraterritorial sanctions in
the context of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, which is being negotiated under the
auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
(MORE)
0
p
p
p
¢
p
04/22/98
13:13
CONG R NEAL
MA
-2The visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba on January 21-25, 1998, focused public attention
on U.S. economic and trade sanctions against Cuba. U.S. sanctions do not allow commen:ial
food exports to Cuba, and while commercial medical exports are allowed, there are several
restrictions on such exports as set forth in the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.
On March 20, 1998, President Clinton announced fow- changes in U.S. policy toward
Cuba. Specifically, the President announced: (1) the resumption of licensing for direct
humanitarian charter flights to Cuba (which had been curtailed after the February 1996
shootdown of two U.S. civilian planes), (2) the resumption of cash irernittances up to $300 per
quarter for the support of close relatives in Cuba (which had been c,.lrtailed in August 1994 in
response to the migration crisis with Cuba), (3) the development of licensing procedures to
streamline and expedite licenses for the commercial sale of medicines and medical supplies and
equipment to Cuba., and (4) a decision to work on a bipartisan basis with Congress on the transfer
of food to the Cuban people.
In announcing the hearing, Chairman Crane stated: "In the wake of the Pope's visit in
January, I believe that it is an appropriate time for the Subcommitte,~ to review U.S. economic
and trade policy toward Cuba. I look forward to reviewing the status of our economic and trade
policy towards Cuba, particularly with respect to the humanitarian assistance provided by U.S.
citizens to the Cuban people."
..
'
FOCUS OF THE HEARING:
The focus of the hearing is to examine: (1) U.S. economic and trade policy toward Cuba
and the impact of the U.S. embargo on the Cuban people, (2) the prospects for future economic
relations in light of the Pope's recent visit, (3) the status ofhumanitB!rian assistance extended to
the Cuban people, and (4) how U.S.-Cuba policy, particularly the Helms-Burton legislation, has
affected relations with U.S. trading partners.
DETAILS FOR SUBMISSIONS OF REQUESTS TO BE HEARD:
Requests to be heard at the hearing must be made by telephone to Traci Altman or
Bradley Schreiber at (202) 225-1721 no later than the close o(business, Thursday, April 30,
1998. The telephone request should be followed by a formal written request to A.L. Singleton,
Chief of Staff, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Repre1sentatives, 1102 Longworth
House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. The staff of the Subcommitlee on Trade will
notify by telephone those scheduled to appear as soon as possible after the filing deadline. Any
questions concerning a scheduled appearance should be directed to the Subcommittee on Trade
staff at (202) 225-6649.
In view of the limited time available to bear witnesses, the Subcommittee may not be
able to accommodate all requests to be heard. Those persons and organizations nut scheduled
for an oral appearance are encouraged to submit written statements for the record of the hearing.
All persons requesting to be heard, whether they are scheduled for oral testimony or not, will be
notified as soon as possible after the filing deadline.
Witnesses scheduled to present oral testimony are required to summarize briefly their
written statements in no more than five minutes. THE FIVE-MINUTE RULE WILL BE
STRICTLY ENFORCED. The full written statement of each wi1tness will be included in
the printed record, in accordance with House Rules.
!41003
~
'
In order to assure the most productive use of the limited amount of time available to
question witnesses, all witnesses scheduled to appear before the Subcommittee are required to
submit 200 copies of their prepared statement and an IBM compatible 3.5-inch diskette in ASCII
DOS Text or WordPerfect 5.1 format, for review by Members prior to the hearing. Testimony
should arrive at the Subcommittee on Trade office, room 1104 Longworth House Office
.Building, no later than Tuesday, May 5, 1998. Failure lo do so may result in the witness being
denied the opportunity to testify in person.
(MORE)
04/22/98
CONG R NEAL
13: 14
MA
-3-
WRITTEN STATEMEISTS IN LIEU OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE:
Any person or organization wishing to submit a \Vlltten statement for the printed record
of the hearing should submit at least six (6) single-space legal-size copies of their statement,
along with an IBM compatible 3.5.inch disketre in ASCII DOS Text or WordPerfect 5.1 format
only, with their name, address, and hearing date noted on a label, by the close of business,
Thursday, May 21. 1998, to A.L. Singleton, Chief of Staff, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S.
House of Representatives, 1102 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. If
those filing written statements wish to have their statements distributed to the press and
interested public at the hearing, they may deliver 200 additional copies for this purpose to the
Subcommittee on Trade office, room 1104 Longworth House Offic4:: Building, at least one hour
before the hearing begins.
EORMATTING REQUIREMENTS:
Each sta.Lclmenl prc~c:nti=d for printing to the Committee: by a wilne5S, any wrinen statement or c:i:hibit submined for the printed record or
uny wriLLcn comments in rcsponse to a request for wri~n comments must conform to the guidelines listed below. Any statement or exhibit not
in <:0mpliance with these guideline~ will not be printed. but will be maintained in the Comminec files for review and use by the Comminee.
All sllltements and any accompanying exhibitS for printing must be typed in sini:le space on legal-size paper and may nol
I.
exceed a total of IO pages including nuachmenl.!l. At the same time vmttcn stati=mcnts arc submitted to 1.he Commillcc:, wilncsscs B!C now
rtqur:sted to submit their staICmcnL~ on an IBM compatible 3.S•inch disune in A~CIJ DOS Te:.:t or WordPerfect 5.1 format. Witnesses are
111hi5,d that the Commlnee will rrly on elecuonk subml~ioos•for printine rbe official b,anni: record.
z.
Copies of whole documents submincd a~ cxhihit material will not be accepted for printing. Instead, e:,;hibit material should b¢
referenced and quoted or pacaphmsc:d. All exhibit mau:rial not meeting these speelflen1ions will be maintained in the Committee files for
review and use by the Comminec.
J.
A witness appearing at a public hearin~. or submitting a s~ment for the record of a public hearing, or submining wrinen
commt!nts io response to a published request for comments by the Comminee. must include on his )!UW:ment or submission a list of a.II clients,
persons, or organizations on whos1: behalf the witness appears.
4.
A supplemental sheet must accompany each sllltemcnt listing the name. full address, n telephone number where the wimess or
the designated representative may be n:ached and a topical outline or summary <>f the commenL~ and rccommcnda1ions in rhe full statement.
This supplemental sheet will not be included in the printed record.
·
The nbove restrictions and limitations apply only to material being submitted for priming. Statements and exhibits or supplemcntar)'
mnterinl submitted solely for distribution 10 the Members. the press and the public during the course of a publi..: hc:llling may be submilli::<l in
other fonns.
Note: All Committee advisories and news releases are available on·the World Wide Web at
"http;//www.house.gov/ways_m~ans/".
The Committee seeks to make its facilities
accessible to persons with disabilities. If you are in
need of special accommodations, please call
202-225-1721 or 202-226-3411 TTD/TTY in
advance of the event (four business days notice is
requested). Questions with regard to special
accommodation needs in general (including
availability of Committee materials in alternative
formats) may be directed to the Committee as noted
- L - •. -
!41004
auvv~.
*****