August 13, 1999

Dear USA*ENGAGE Member / NFTC Member::

Dear USA*Engage Member / NFTC Member: You may recall that last year you received an analysis of the positions Members of House of Representatives took on issues of concern to members of USA*Engage and the National Foreign Trade Council. That analysis - commonly referred to as the 1998 Report Card -- was not only well received by coalition members, but was generally viewed by the press and Congress as a fair, bipartisan evaluation of Member views on legislation affecting international trade, global engagement, and unilateral sanctions.

With the new 106th Congress more than halfway through its first session, we are issuing an interim 1999 Report Card for both the House and Senate. Our methodology is the same as last year. Key votes have been examined that reflect how Members of Congress have voted on important legislation involving expanded trade and investment, as well as engagement with other countries. "Extra credit" was granted for co-sponsorship of the Sanctions Process Reform Bills (S.757 or H.R. 1244). All votes were evenly weighted, with one point given for each positive vote.

While the results speak for themselves, we would be remiss if we didn't point out that this year the number of Members who received a superior rating (A or A+), increased nearly four-fold from last year (92 vs. 25). At the same time, Members receiving a failing grade (D or F) decreased from 167 last year to 74 this year.

While in the days ahead there will be plenty of opportunities to further analysis these results, two things seem clear. First, this year's Freshman Class in the House is proving to be one of the most pro-trade, pro-engagement elements of Congress. Perhaps more important, every Member of Congress who received an A or A+ rating last year and ran for reelection - won.

We hope you find this information useful. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We will issue a final 1999 Report Card when Congress adjourns for the year.

 

William C. Lane Chairman, USA*ENGAGE Washington Director-Caterpillar Inc.

Frank Kittredge Vice Chairman, USA*ENGAGE President - National Foreign Trade Council

Home |  About Us |  Resources |  Press Releases |  Federal Activity & Legislation
State & Local Activity |  NFTC Lawsuit |  Contact Us |  Site Index