October 7, 1998

MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE:

The Senate is expected to vote shortly on a substitute to the "Freedom From Religious Persecution Act." As the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce must restate its opposition to this legislation.

Specifically, this legislation would provide for unilateral sanctions against foreign governments. Further, the ability to waive such sanctions under this legislation is narrower than under previous versions. Unilateral sanctions rarely, if ever, work. Those who suffer the greatest impact of sanctions, including religious minorities, are often those whom the sanctions are intended to benefit. Equally important is the harm to our own workers and farmers caused by unilateral sanctions that are imposed without full international cooperation and engagement. U.S. interests still would be harmed by efforts to stand in judgment of countries in many parts of the world where we share vital national interests. This harm would remain even if sanctions were later waived or terminated.

International diplomacy is difficult and complicated. No one solution is guaranteed to change the attitudes and activities of all other countries to our liking. It requires hard work, diplomacy and a combination of varied incentives and disincentives to bring about a desired result.

We recognize that Members of Congress have worked in good faith to craft a bill that attempts to take into account the myriad business, religious and other concerns that stand to be affected. Indeed, that Senate Task Force on Economic Sanctions has devoted considerable time to reviewing the issue and is expected to release its report shortly. We urge that our strong concerns be addressed directly before final disposition of this legislation.

 

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Donohue
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America

 

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