September 9, 2001
USA*Engage applauds President Bush for tapping former Senator John C. Danforth as a special envoy to examine the possibility of a settlement in Sudan's civil war.
Read the Press Release
 
September 4, 2001
In a Washington Post opinion column, C. Fred Bergsten, Director of the Institute for International Economics, discusses a recent, government-sponsored economic conference to illustrate the prospect for gradual yet lasting political and economic reforms in China.
Read the Press Release

August 30, 2001
In a letter to Senate members, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and eighteen other industry associations today urged support of S. 149, the Export Administration Act of 2001, as approved by a bipartisan vote in the Senate Banking Committee. In a separate letter to Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Democratic Leader, Richard Gephardt (D-MO), the NFTC, with the same industry associations, expressed strong opposition to H.R. 2581, as amended by the International Relations Committee on August 1.
Read the Press Release
Read the letter to Speaker of the House
Read the letter to minority leader
Read the letter to Senate members

August 21, 2001
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury, Bill Reinsch, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and co-Chairman of USA*Engage, today urged vigorous
administration opposition to Sections 8 and 9 of the House-passed Sudan Peace Act, H.R. 2052.
Read the letter
Read the Press Release

August 16, 2001
In a letter congratulating the recently confirmed Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Harvey L. Pitt, the NFTC expressed serious concerns regarding possible changes in the Commission's disclosure requirements for foreign registrants.
Read the letter
Read the Press Release

August 2, 2001
In a letter to President Bush, USA H Engage expressed serious disappointment with the recent actions by Congress to renew the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) for five years and urged the President to consider the rescinding of Executive Orders which unfairly discriminate against U.S. businesses.
Read the letter
Read the Press Release

July 12, 2001
In a letter urging President Bush to waive Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (the Helms-Burton law), Bill Reinsch, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), said an effort to enforce such a provision would be seen as a violation of U.S. obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Read the letter
Read the Press Release

June 28, 2001
In testimony today before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Bill Reinsch, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and Vice Chairman of USA*Engage called on Senators to reject S. 994, a five-year renewal of the Iran Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA).
Read the Press Release
Read the Oral Statement
Read the Testimony

June 20, 2001
USA*Engage and the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) continue to oppose renewal of the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA), despite the five-year extension approved today by the House International Relations Committee.
Read the Press Release

June 8, 2001
USA Engage and the National Foreign Trade Council hale the release of a new Atlantic Council report, Thinking Beyond the Stalemate in U.S.-Iranian Relations.
Read the Press Release
Read the Report

June 7, 2001
USA Engage continues to oppose renewal of the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) and urges the Bush Administration and Congress to oppose reauthorization of the law.
Read the Press Release

Reinsch Urges Bush to Waive Cuba Sanctions - Title III of the Helms-Burton law 'invites serious challenge'
In a letter urging President Bush to waive Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (the Helms-Burton law), Bill Reinsch, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), said an effort to enforce such a provision would be seen as a violation of U.S. obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

USA*ENGAGE Commends Lugar, Hagel and Dodd for Effort on Sanctions Reform Amendment
March 23, 2000 USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today expressed its appreciation for the leadership of Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) to advance sanctions reform legislation through the Senate. While disappointed that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly defeated the proposal to enact a common-sense sanctions regime, USA*ENGAGE looks forward to working with senators to approve the language on the Senate floor this year.

NFTC Challenge to Massachusetts Sanctions Heard at U.S. Supreme Court
March 22 , 2000, NFTC -- Press Release
"We hope today’s Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of the Massachusetts Burma Law will finally resolve the issue of whether U.S. foreign policy is the preserve of the federal government, or whether states and municipalities may also make foreign policy," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC).

USA*ENGAGE Applauds Clinton Goal of Increasing U.S.-India Trade
March 22, 2000 USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today applauded President Clinton's stated goal of increasing economic ties with India. At a March 21 press conference in India, Clinton said that he and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee agreed "to bring more jobs and opportunities to our people, [and] to accelerate trade between us.

USA*ENGAGE Bemused by Proposed OPEC Sanctions
March 20, 2000 USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
Citing the numerous sanctions already in existence against a majority of OPEC countries, USA*ENGAGE today urged Congress to rethink calls for further sanctions as contained in H.R. 3822, the Oil Price Reduction Act.

USA Engage Calls Easing of Iran Sanctions a Positive Step
March 16, 2000 USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
Washington, D.C. - USA * ENGAGE today said a decision by the Clinton Administration to ease trade sanctions on certain products from Iran would be a positive step in U.S.-Iranian relations. Recent press reports have said the Administration is considering such a step, and that an announcement may be imminent.

USA*ENGAGE Urges Senate Action on EAA
February 18, 2000, USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
Washington, D.C. - USA*ENGAGE today urged Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott to schedule early floor debate on legislation that would reauthorize the Export Administration Act (EAA). Since the Act expired in 1994, US export control regulations have operated under executive order. The Senate bill, S. 1712, would broadly relax US government controls on exports of low-risk technologies to most countries.

USA*ENGAGE Urges Gore to Clarify Position on China Trade Deal
February 17, 2000, USA * ENGAGE -- Press Release
Washington, D.C. – USA*ENGAGE urged Vice President Al Gore to clarify his position on the trade deal that the Clinton administration and China agreed to last November. According to USA Today, Gore indicated to the AFL-CIO that if Congress cannot approve the trade deal this year, Gore would seek to renegotiate the deal as President to require China to meet tougher labor and environmental standards.

FTC Urges Supreme Court to Rule "Massachusetts Burma Law" Unconstitutional
February 14, 2000, NFTC -- Press Release
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today filed its Supreme Court Brief in Natsios v. NFTC (99-474) urging that the Court hold the "Massachusetts Burma Law" unconstitutional. Prior to being enjoined by the courts, the Massachusetts law effectively prohibited companies that do business in or with Myanmar (formerly Burma) from providing goods and services to Massachusetts state agencies.

Canadian Engagement Policy with Sudan Praised
February 14, 2000, USA*ENGAGE -- Press Release
USA* ENGAGE today praised the government of Canada for its continued commitment to engagement with Sudan, and its decision against imposing economic sanctions. "Canada’s policy of engagement is the best path toward peace and the alleviation of human suffering in Sudan," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA* ENGAGE.

NFTC and USA*ENGAGE Urge Against Sanctioning Russia
January 5, 2000, NFTC and USA*ENGAGE -- Press Release
In response to statements by several presidential candidates, the National Foreign Trade Council and USA*ENGAGE today called on the Administration, Congress, and the presidential hopefuls to consider more effective methods of influencing Russia's policy towards Chechnya than threatening unilateral sanctions

NFTC Statement on the WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle
December 9, 1999, NFTC - Press Release
National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), Frank Kittredge, stated that “the NFTC and its members are very disappointed that the trade ministers failed to launch a new round of multilateral trade negotiations last week."

USA*ENGAGE and NFTC Issue Congressional Report Card
December 7, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE and NFTC report that the number of House Members who received a superior rating increased nearly four-fold (96 - 25) from last year's report card.

NFTC Supports Supreme Court Review of Burma Law
November 29, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
The United States Supreme Court today agreed to decide whether state laws imposing sanctions on companies doing business with foreign countries are constitutional.

Colleges Select U.S. Sanctions Policy as National Debate Topic
November 9, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
During the 1999-2000 college debate season, teams from universities throughout America will argue the merits of U.S. unilateral sanctions policy.

USA*ENGAGE Cites Destabilizing Effect of U.S. Sanctions on Pakistan and Indonesia
October 14, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today contended that U.S. unilateral sanctions on Pakistan may have helped foster a climate that enabled Tuesday's military coup, overthrowing the democratically elected leaders of Pakistan. To make matters worse, some in Congress are now seeking the imposition of unilateral sanctions on Indonesia, another emerging Asian democracy.

USA*ENGAGE Urges Veto of Foreign Operations Bill
October 8, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today called on President Clinton to veto the FY 2000 foreign operations appropriations bill, due to the inclusion of counterproductive unilateral sanctions on Indonesia.

USA*ENGAGE Urges Senate to Reject Unilateral Sanctions on Indonesia
October 4, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today called on the U.S. Senate to reject S.1568, a bill to cut off U.S. bilateral aid to Indonesia. "The Senate bill is an attempt at a quick fix to a very complex problem, and one that will likely do more harm than good," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "We recognize the seriousness of the volatile situation in the world's fourth most populous country. That is why it warrants a coordinated, multilateral response and not unilateral sanctions."

CEOs Call on Congress to Pass Sanctions Reform Legislation This Year
September 28, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and Minority Leader Tom Daschle, CEOs representing a wide cross-section of American business today urged the Congress to enact comprehensive sanctions reform legislation this year. "While most Members agree that unilateral sanctions must remain part of America's foreign policy toolbox, Senators increasingly recognize that unilateral sanctions are often counter-productive, ineffective and costly to other U.S. priorities," said the letter signed by 55 of America's top CEOs.

ITC Report Illustrates Futility of Unilateral Sanctions
September 23, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
In a report issued today, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) reported that U.S. unilateral sanctions imposed on India and Pakistan cost the U.S. economy $161 million. These mandatory sanctions were required by the Glenn Amendment following the nuclear tests conducted by each country last year. "First and foremost, we must remember that the Glenn Amendment was a failure before it was ever imposed -- since the threat of sanctions did not deter either India or Pakistan from its nuclear testing," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

USA*ENGAGE Supports Administration Initiative to Engage North Korea
September 17, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today responded favorably to the Clinton Administration's announcement that certain longstanding sanctions against North Korea would soon be eased. "While today's action is clearly not an endorsement of the North Korean regime, it makes sense on practical and humanitarian grounds," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

Trade Sanctions: Lost Opportunity for Iowa Business/Agriculture Coalition Seeks Answers in Iowa Campaign
September 3, 1999, USA*ENGAGE - Press Release
USA*ENGAGE is working to introduce the debate on U.S. sanctions policy to the presidential campaign and Iowa voters. Through a billboard campaign, grassroots and media outreach, USA*ENGAGE and its members will be asking the candidates where they stand on current U.S. sanctions policy.

Lugar Urges President to Implement Sanctions Regulations
July 20, 1999, Senator Dick Lugar - Press Release
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today urged President Clinton to implement regulations expeditiously to allow American companies to export agricultural products and medicines to Iran, Sudan and Libya.

Administration assures Lugar of progress on sanctions negotiations
July 1, 1999, Senator Dick Lugar - Press Release
Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council called the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling finding the Massachusetts "Burma Law" unconstitutional "a complete rejection of the Massachusetts position."In a unanimous ruling, the First Circuit held that the Burma Law impermissibly intruded on the federal government's exclusive authority to conduct foreign relations, violated the foreign commerce clause, and was preempted by federal law regarding Burma.

U.S. Court of Appeals Finds Massachusetts Burma Law Unconstitutional Panel Upholds District Court Ruling Striking Down State Law
June 22, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council called the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling finding the Massachusetts "Burma Law" unconstitutional "a complete rejection of the Massachusetts position."In a unanimous ruling, the First Circuit held that the Burma Law impermissibly intruded on the federal government's exclusive authority to conduct foreign relations, violated the foreign commerce clause, and was preempted by federal law regarding Burma.

Momentum Growing for Bipartisan House Sanctions Reform Bill
May 20, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Citing a growing list of co-sponsors, USA*ENGAGE today called on the House Ways and Means Committee to mark up H.R. 1244, the Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights through Sanctions Reform Act. "A wide spectrum of support is building for this common sense legislation," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "Until meaningful process reform legislation is enacted, American business, farmers and workers will continue to be subjected to the high cost of ineffective and counterproductive unilateral U.S. sanctions."

Extension of Burma "Emergency" Questioned
May 20, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
The decision by President Clinton to renew the 2-year-old U.S. unilateral sanctions against Burma, first imposed on May 20, 1997, was criticized today by USA*ENGAGE. "The U.S. sanctions against Burma have apparently accomplished nothing -- other than hurt the Burmese people," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "History has shown that a far more effective way to encourage change is to choose engagement over isolation."

USA*ENGAGE Calls New Trade Rules with Cuba a "Modest Step"
May 19, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today called on the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) to further liberalize the new trade rules announced last week governing U.S. agriculture trade with Cuba. The final rules, implemented to promote President Clinton's initiative to support the Cuban people and to promote the transition to democracy, allow for limited export of agriculture products to non-governmental entities. All sales will be approved on a case-by-case basis by BXA. "We support any initiative to engage the Cuban people. They have been isolated and punished long enough, and for no apparent gain," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

USA*ENGAGE Cites Sanctions Exemption for Food and Medicine as Another Important Step Towards Meaningful Reform
April 28, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE applauded today's announcement by the U.S. State Department that exemptions to certain U.S. unilateral sanctions would be granted for shipments of food and medicine, calling it a "another step towards much needed sanctions policy reform." "We are pleased that the Administration continues to recognize the need to reform current U.S. sanctions policy. Using food and medicine as a weapon targets the most vulnerable, without accomplishing U.S. foreign policy goals," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

USA*ENGAGE Says CBO Sanctions Study Misses the Point
April 14, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Responding to the release of the Congressional Budget Office study on the cost of sanctions to the U.S. economy, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE called the study "incomplete, shortsighted, and flawed in its conclusions."

National Foreign Trade Council Intensifies Call for China WTO Accession Accelerated Negotiations Urged
April 9, 1999, NFTC Press Release
Citing important progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations, the National Foreign Trade Council today called China's accession to the World Trade Organization critically important. "China's entry into the WTO on commercially meaningful terms remains a top priority for U.S. business," said Richard J. Swift, Chairman, President & CEO, Foster Wheeler Corporation and Chairman of the National Foreign Trade Council. "Bringing China into the WTO rules-based trading system will benefit both America and China."

USA*ENGAGE Cites Effectiveness of Multilateral Libyan Sanctions
April 6, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Commenting on this week's suspension of United Nations' sanctions against Libya, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE was pleased that the multilateral U.N. effort had achieved its goals.

Bipartisan Sanctions Reform Legislation Endorsed by USA*ENGAGE
Lott Cosponsorship Seen as Big Boost in Senate
March 24, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today announced its support for the Sanctions Process Reform Act, introduced today in both the House and Senate. Pledging strong support by the U.S. business and agriculture communities, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE, urged Members of Congress to move swiftly to pass this much needed trade legislation. "The Sanctions Process Reform Act is at the top of our trade agenda for 1999. We fully expect that with the strong bipartisan support the bill is receiving, it will become law during the 106th Congress."

CEO Letter Expresses Broad Support for Sanctions Reform Legislation
March 4, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
In a letter to President Clinton, CEOs representing most of America's top exporters called on the Administration to place sanctions reform as a high priority on its trade agenda, and to work with Congress to enact meaningful legislation during this session of Congress.

NFTC Chairman Calls for Congress to Pass Broad Trade Bill
March 4, 1999, NFTC Press Release
In testimony before the House Subcommittee on International Trade, Richard J. Swift, Chairman and CEO of Foster Wheeler Corporation, and Chairman of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), today called on Congress to pass a broad pro-trade bill to clarify and renew America's commitment to open markets and global growth.

Continuation of the National Emergency Relating to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels
February 25, 1999, White House Press Release
President Clinton issued a statement recently, that marked the continuation of the national emergency status with respect to Cuba.

USA*ENGAGE Encouraged by Senator Lott's Call for Greater Care in Use of U.S. Unilateral Sanctions
January 29, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Citing comments made on Friday, January 29, by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) calling for the U.S. to be "...more careful about unilateral sanctions that put us at a disadvantage in competing in the world markets ...," USA*ENGAGE called on Congress and the Administration to work together on legislation that would provide for reasonable sanctions reform.

USA*ENGAGE Strongly Supports New U.S. Policy with Cuba
January 5, 1999, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today endorsed U.S. proposals to ease elements of the unilateral trade embargo on Cuba. "Today's action is a significant step in the right direction. Engagement, not further isolation, is the best way to promote democracy," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

White House Statement On Easing Of Sanctions On India And Pakistan
November 7, 1998, White House Press Release
President Clinton has decided to ease sanctions against India and Pakistan in response to positive steps both countries have taken to address our nonproliferation concerns following their nuclear tests in May.

Chevron Chairman Calls For Major Reforms To U.S. Economic-Sanctions Policy At National Foreign Trade Council Forum
November 6, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Citing damage to both American job creation and U.S. international relations, Chevron Corp. chairman Ken Derr has called for major reforms in the use of economic and trade sanctions by the United States.

District Court Rules in Favor of NFTC-- Finds Massachusetts Burma Law Unconstitutional
November 4, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts today ruled the Massachusetts Burma Law unconstitutional on the grounds that the statute violates the federal government's power to regulate foreign affairs.

USA*ENGAGE Eager to Begin Work with 106th Congress
November 3, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Following yesterday's elections, USA*ENGAGE today announced that it will immediately begin its efforts to educate Members of the 106th Congress about the benefits of U.S. engagement and the high cost of unilateral U.S. sanctions.

USA*ENGAGE and NFTC Issue Congressional "Report Card"
October 22, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today issued a "report card," grading Members of the House of Representatives on their individual 1998 voting records on issues affecting international trade, unilateral sanctions, and global engagement.

USA*ENGAGE Calls U.S. Cuba Embargo Counterproductive and "Out of Step" with World Opinion
October 15, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Citing yesterday's overwhelming United Nations vote calling on the United States to end its 38-year embargo on Cuba, USA*ENGAGE today called for the United States to embark on a new Cuba policy.

USA*ENGAGE Expresses Disappointment with Religious Sanctions Vote in Senate
October 9 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
"Today's vote represents the wrong way for Congress to pass economic sanctions laws, and is a classic example of why sanctions reform legislation is needed," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "While well-intended, this bill could easily become counterproductive to U.S. interests and foreign policy objectives -- as well as harmful to religious minorities throughout the world. USA*ENGAGE will now work with the Administration to make sure that when this bill becomes law, it is implemented in a way that will serve U.S. national interests."

USA*ENGAGE Urges Senate to Reject Religious Persecution Legislation
October 7 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Calling it "the most far-reaching and potentially damaging sanctions bill of the 105th Congress," USA*ENGAGE announced today that it will oppose S.1868, the International Religious Freedom Act. "While the Senate bill is an improvement over legislation already passed by the House, it remains, in the end, a sanctions bill," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "We are very appreciative of the efforts of Senators Nickles, Biden, Hagel, Lugar, Lieberman and Grams in attempting to craft reasonable legislation that advances the cause of religious freedom. However, we disagree with the dependence on unilateral economic sanctions -- which we believe will be counterproductive to the promotion of religious liberty."

USA*ENGAGE to Oppose Consideration of Any New Unilateral Sanctions Legislation Coalition Calls on Senate Task Force to Issue Final Report Before Vote on Religious Persecution Legislation
September 30, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today reiterated its opposition to the Senate's consideration of any new unilateral sanctions legislation -- including pending religious persecution legislation -- until the final report of the Senate Sanctions Task Force is released. "The Task Force report is now one-month overdue, despite Senator Lott's request for 'timely recommendations,'" said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "Important sanctions reform legislation has been on hold since July, and will likely not be reconsidered until the Task Force issues its final report. It therefore doesn't make sense to move forward on religious persecution -- the most far-reaching sanctions bill of the 105th Congress -- before the Task Force recommendations are issued."

Fast-Track Failure a Defeat for International Trade, Engagement and the Economy
September 25, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today called the failure of fast-track enabling legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives "a serious defeat for international trade, engagement and the economy." "Today's vote is a disappointment to all Americans who recognize that the United States benefits more from leading the global marketplace than from closing our doors to the world," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "Trade and engagement provide the building blocks that have been instrumental in strengthening today's U.S. economy. With 96 percent of the world's population living outside of U.S. borders, that is where major growth opportunities will continue to lie."

Kittredge Calls for "Common Sense" Sanctions Policy
September 10, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
In testimony before the House Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE, called on the House of Representatives to adopt a common sense process for the consideration of future unilateral sanctions. Citing the significant role the U.S. private sector plays in contributing to the development of free market democracies throughout the world, Kittredge urged the adoption of "common sense reforms that will support this role and help the U.S. to pursue more effective policies with less self-inflicted cost."

USA*ENGAGE Calls on Senate to Pass Sanctions Reform Act During Testimony Before Sanctions Task Force
September 9, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- During testimony today before the Senate Sanctions Task Force, Bill Lane, Chairman of USA*ENGAGE and Washington Director, Caterpillar Inc., called on the Senate to pass the Lugar Sanctions Reform Act (S.1413) during the remaining weeks of this Congress. "Recognizing that the track record of sanctions demonstrate that they rarely work, are often counterproductive and almost always costly to other objectives, we believe it is appropriate to consider some common-sense reforms when considering new unilateral sanctions," Lane said.

USA*ENGAGE Welcomes ITC Study on Unilateral Trade Sanctions
September 9, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today cited the findings of the International Trade Commission's (ITC) newly released study on U.S. unilateral trade sanctions as a useful overview of current sanctions which underscores the challenges inherent in assessing their impact on the U.S. economy.
"The ITC study provides a useful assessment of the state of play on U.S. unilateral sanctions," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA* ENGAGE. "It highlights just how difficult it is to quantify the indirect costs of unilateral sanctions on the economy."

USA*ENGAGE Criticizes U.S. Government Decision Preventing Business Summit in Cuba -- Reaffirms Support for New Cuba Policy
September 4, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today criticized the U.S. Treasury Department's last-minute decision to deny participants in the U.S.-Cuba Business Summit licenses for travel to Cuba. Although the State Department deemed the trip legal, and a similar event was held in Cuba in March, the travel licenses were apparently denied because business organizers refused to adhere to a reported Treasury Department request that participants make statements critical of the Cuban government following the Summit.

USA*ENGAGE Applauds Rejection of Kucinich/Sanders Amendment
August 6, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE today applauded the House of Representatives' rejection of an amendment offered by Rep. David Kucinich (D-OH) and Bernard Sanders (I-VT), which would have undermined the federal government's ability to conduct international trade.

USA*ENGAGE Disappointed in Task Force Delay
July 30, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
It is understood that the Senate Sanctions Task Force will reshedule its hearing in September. "The September 1st deadline for issuing a report on the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions policy is now out the window," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE.

CEO Letter Expresses Continued Support for Sanctions Reform Act (S.1413) -- Urges Restraint on New Sanctions Legislation
July 24, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- Fifty-eight of America's most prominent corporate CEOs in a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Joseph Biden (D-DE), co-chairmen of the Senate Sanctions Task Force, today reiterated their support for sanctions reform and asked that all sanctions-related legislation currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate be put on hold until the Task Force issues its final report.

USA*ENGAGE Applauds House China "NTR" Vote
July 22, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE called today's House vote which ended efforts to deny China Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with the United States "a victory for engagement."

USA*ENGAGE Criticizes Tabling of Lugar Amendment
July 15, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- "We are disappointed that the Senate has moved to delay consideration of S.1413, a bill that would establish a disciplined, common sense approach prior to the imposition of future U.S. unilateral sanctions," said Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE. "However, despite the 53 to 46 vote to table the amendment, we are encouraged by the strong bipartisan support that is building on this issue."

USA*ENGAGE Urges Restraint on State and Local Swiss Sanctions
July 8, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Citing both the pleas of the State Department and an ongoing study headed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, USA*ENGAGE today urged several U.S. states and localities to resist moving ahead with sanctions against the Swiss banks involved in an ongoing dispute over Holocaust victim assets.

USA*ENGAGE Calls Lugar Amendment "Number-One Priority"
July 2, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today announced its intention to strongly support Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) in his attempt to include "The Sanctions Reform Act" (S.1413) as an amendment to the Department of Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The bill could be considered by the full body when the Senate reconvenes next week.

USA*ENGAGE Encouraged by U.S. Overtures to Iran
June 18, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today applauded Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her call for stronger bilateral ties between the U.S. and Iran and called on Congress to begin a review of the Iran Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA).

USA*ENGAGE Strongly Supportive of Lugar Amendment
June 8, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
USA*ENGAGE today expressed strong support for Senator Richard Lugar's (R-IN) announcement that he will offer "The Sanctions Reform Act" (S.1413) as an amendment to pending legislation.

USA*ENGAGE Calls for Lifting of U.S. Sanctions Against South Korea
June 5, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
On the eve of South Korean President Kim Dae-jung's visit to the United States, USA*ENGAGE today called on the United States to lift its economic sanctions against South Korea. For six years, the U.S. has sanctioned South Korea over labor rights by banning Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) coverage for U.S. companies doing business in that country.

USA*ENGAGE Calls for Accelerated Review of U.S. Sanctions Policy
June 2, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - Citing the failure of threatened U.S. sanctions to deter nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, USA*ENGAGE today called on Congress and the Administration to undertake an accelerated review of U.S. sanctions policy.

NFTC Letter to Under Secretary of State Thomas R. Pickering
May 21, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - We support the Administration's determination to contain nuclear proliferation in South Asia and to respond appropriately to the recent tests carried out by India. We urge that in finalizing the legal and policy framework for implementing sanctions against India, the Administration preserve five principles of greatest importance to the private sector.

USA*ENGAGE Criticizes ILSA for Forcing "No Win" Situation
May 18, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE called today's announcement that the U.S. will waive sanctions on foreign oil companies doing business in Iran -- while continuing to exclude U.S. firms from participating in new energy development -- "the counterproductive result of a bad law."

USA*ENGAGE Calls on House to Delay Consideration of Religious Persecution Legislation
May 13, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to delay consideration of H.R. 2431, "The Freedom from Religious Persecution Act," which is scheduled for floor action on Thursday, May 14.

USA*ENGAGE Calls for Approval of Cuba Humanitarian Aid Bill, the Lifting of travel Restrictions, and a Complete Reevaluation of U.S. Cuban Policy
May 7, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- Calling the U.S. embargo on Cuba an "outdated relic of the Cold War," former Congressman Michael Barnes urged the Congress to approve legislation to allow the humanitarian sale of food and medicine to Cuba, and to ease travel restrictions to that nation.

Test Case Filed Contesting Validity of State and Local Sanctions Laws
April 30, 1998, NFTC Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today filed suit in the United States District Court in Boston, Massachusetts to enjoin Commonwealth of Massachusetts officials from enforcing the "Massachusetts Burma Law," (7 M.G.L.A.§§ 22G-M).

USA*ENGAGE Supports Humanitarian Trade Effort
March 31, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE will join the hundreds of medical, business, humanitarian, religious and Cuban American Leaders to advocate for U.S. humanitarian sales of food and medical supplies to Cuba. A diverse group, including nearly 200 Cuban Americans on a charter flight from Miami, will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress on Tuesday, March 31.

USA*ENGAGE Urges Maryland Legislators To Reject Nigeria Sanctions Bill
March 25, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- Citing the overwhelming evidence that unilateral sanctions are ineffective and often counterproductive, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE, urged Maryland legislators to reject sanctions legislation aimed at companies doing business in Nigeria.

Passage of Sanctions Reform Act Urged
March 25, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- Citing evidence that unilateral sanctions are "grossly over-used" by the United States, USA*ENGAGE Chairman Bill Lane today called on the United States Senate to pass the Hamilton-Crane-Lugar Sanctions Reform Act (S.1413).

Groups Warn of Consequences of Specter-Wolf Legislation
March 24, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- In a letter to members of the House International Relations Committee, USA*ENGAGE labeled The Freedom From Religious Persecution Act (H.R. 2431) "a dangerous precedent that could lead to a rapid increase in the use of unilateral sanctions by the United States."

USA*ENGAGE Hopeful U.S. on Threshold of New Cuba Policy
March 20, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- In the wake of President Clinton's announcement easing some restrictions on flights to Cuba, among other minor measures, USA*ENGAGE today reiterated its call for a new Cuban policy.

USA*ENGAGE Calls For A New Cuba Policy
March 12, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE cited today's hearing of the House International Economic Policy and Trade Subcommittee as a perfect opportunity to review U.S. policy towards Cuba.

USA*ENGAGE Lauds Sanctions Report
March 10, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE today praised the report issued by the Sanctions Working Group to the U.S. Department of State's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy

USA*ENGAGE Calls on Maryland to Reject Sanctions
February 26, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE today urged the Maryland Legislature to reject legislation that would impose sanctions against companies doing business in Nigeria. The "selective purchasing" legislation currently being considered by the legislature would prohibit the state of Maryland from doing business with companies and financial institutions that have loans or operations in Nigeria.

USA*ENGAGE Urges U.S./E.U. Sanctions Talks
February 4, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - USA*ENGAGE today urged President Clinton to make every attempt to avert a potential trade crisis with Europe by making the Iran Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) a key topic for discussion during this week's meetings with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The President Needs To Go Further
January 16, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - USA*ENGAGE today supported President Clinton's waiver of Title III of the Helms-Burton law and called for his leadership in formulating a new policy towards Cuba.

It is Time for a New Cuban Policy
January 15, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - American business and agricultural communities have joined USA*ENGAGE in sending President Clinton, Speaker Gingrich, and Majority Leader Lott an open letter calling for a change in U.S. policy toward Cuba.

USA*ENGAGE Responds to Iranian President's Comments
January 8, 1998, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - In reference to statements made by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami during Wednesday’s televised CNN interview, Frank Kittredge, President of the National Foreign Trade Council and Vice Chairman of USA*ENGAGE, issued the following statement.

USA*ENGAGE Endorses Call for U.S.-Iranian Dialogue
December 16, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - Citing recent statements by U.S. and Iranian officials, USA*ENGAGE today called on both nations to move forward towards the establishment of a meaningful dialogue between the two countries.

Proliferation of U.S. Unilateral Sanctions May Be Undermining Gulf War Coalition
November 18, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - The United States has imposed, or is threatening to levy unilateral sanctions on virtually every Middle East nation that played a support role in the U.S.-led Gulf War Coalition.

USA*ENGAGE Calls Sudan Sanctions "Counterproductive"
November 4, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. - "The use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement unilateral trade sanctions against Sudan will be counterproductive to U.S. efforts to influence that nation, and will only end up hurting American interests," said Frank Kittredge, Vice Chair of USA*ENGAGE and President of the National Foreign Trade Council.

USA*ENGAGE Endorses Sanctions Reform Bill
October 23, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE applauded today's introduction of the Hamilton-Crane-Lugar Sanctions Reform Bill, and called on all Members of Congress to support this important legislation.

Remarks by James E. Perrella
October 23, 1997, Statement by Chairman of the National Foreign Trade Council and Chairman and CEO of the Ingersoll-Rand Company.
Washington, D.C. -- Washington, D.C. -- On behalf of over 650 members of the NFTC's coalition, USA*ENGAGE and Ingersoll-Rand's 25,000 American employees, I congratulate you on your legislation establishing a deliberative governmental process for imposing unilateral sanctions against any nation.

USA*ENGAGE to Endorse Sanctions Reform Bill
October 21, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Advisory
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE will participate in a press conference on Thursday, October 23, 1997, at 10:10 a.m., in the House Ways and Means Library (1100 Longworth). The press conference will be hosted by Congressman Philip Crane, Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade; Congressman Lee Hamilton; and Senator Richard Lugar to announce the introduction of the Hamilton-Crane-Lugar Sanctions Reform Bill.

Proposed Sudan Sanctions Labeled Counterproductive
October 17, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE today labeled proposed U.S. sanctions on Sudan as "typical of the counterproductive effects of unilateral sanctions."

USA*ENGAGE Calls for Multilateral Iranian Policy
October 15, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- Citing the failure of the U.S. Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) to prevent international investment in Iran as further indication that unilateral sanctions don't work, USA*ENGAGE has endorsed a renewed effort by the United States to obtain international cooperation in further efforts to influence Iran.

USA*ENGAGE Cites High Cost of U.S. Sanctions
October 01, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- USA*ENGAGE Chairman Bill Lane today called a new European-American Business Council (EABC) study on the high cost of U.S. sanctions "further evidence that unilateral sanctions rarely work, are often counterproductive, and are always costly."

USA*ENGAGE Promotes Benefits of American Foreign Policy Engagement
April 16, 1997, USA*ENGAGE Press Release
Washington, D.C. -- "New Coalition Opposes Proliferation of Unilateral U.S. Foreign Policy Sanctions" -- USA*ENGAGE, a broad-based coalition representing American business and agriculture, today announced its intentions to actively oppose the use of new unilateral foreign policy sanctions by the United States Government. The coalition also released data indicating that U.S. sanctions cost the U.S. up to $20 billion and caused the loss of up to 250,000 export related jobs in 1995.