OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Executive Office of the President

Washington, D.C.

20508

USTR Press Releases are available on the USTR website at http://www.ustr.gov/

For Immediate Release Contact: Brendan Daly

June 8, 2000 Amy Stilwell

Todd Glass

(202) 395-3230

USTR Barshefsky Hails House Ways and Means Committee Vote on WTO

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky today hailed the 35-0 vote by the House Ways and Means Committee to reject a resolution that would withdraw Congressional support for continued U.S. participation in the World Trade Organization.

"Today's vote in support of the WTO reinforces how critical it is that the U.S. remains a leader of the global trading system, and I commend the Ways and Means committee for its decisive action," said Ambassador Barshefsky.

"As the world's largest importer and exporter, the U.S. has benefitted more than any other country from the WTO and its framework of rules designed to ensure that our products and services receive fair and predictable treatment around the world. U.S. membership in the WTO helps advance American competitiveness in agriculture, manufacturing and high technology industries, advances the rule of law in commerce, and promotes stability in times of economic crisis."

- 30 -