House Passes Africa Trade Bill Without Cotton Provisions

July 20,1999

The House has approved an Africa trade bill without provisions to protect U.S. cotton interests. An amendment would have limited textile trade preferences to apparel made in Africa from U.S.-made fabric and U.S. yarn. The amendment also would have improved enforcement provisions to help stop transshipments, supporters say.

Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) wanted to offer the amendment but the rule on the floor debate did not allow it. National Cotton Council President Ron Rayner says the bill without the amendment could harm the U.S. cotton and textile industries. He said it was hoped that the Senate version would include the amendment.

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) was far more optimistic. Lugar introduced the bill that he says "will start a new era in U.S.-African relations based less on bilateral aid ties and more on business relationships, less on paternalism and more on partnership and one that builds upon the long-term prospects of African societies rather than on short-term reactive policies."

The bill encourages a transition from aid to trade for sub-Saharan countries "committed to economic and political reform," says Lugar. U.S. policy "has virtually ignored Africa." As African countries pursue "meaningful economic and political reforms, it is important to provide trade and investment incentives," he adds. "A stable and economically prosperous Africa will contribute to U.S. commercial and security interests."