Senate OKs Opportunity Trade Bill

The Senate approved legislation to give sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and the nations of the Caribbean a better chance to share in the world’s economic prosperity through trade. The 77-19 vote sends the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act to President Clinton, who said he looked forward to signing a bill that “reaffirms America’s commitment to open trade and strengthens the partnership between the United States and our friends in Africa and the Caribbean Basin.” The House approved the bill last week. Under the bill, nations that meet certain human rights and labor standards would enjoy duty-free and quota-free status for shipments to the U.S. of apparel made with U.S. yarn and fabric. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) said invigorating the economies of the 700 million people of sub-Saharan Africa could translate into $8 billion in new sales and 120,000 jobs for the U.S. over the next five years.