To authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Belarus.

February 24, 2004

Mr. PAUL (for himself and Mr. FLAKE) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

To authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Belarus.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Belarus Freedom Act of 2004'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that Belarus--

(1) allows its citizens the right and opportunity to emigrate, free of any heavy tax on the visas or other documents required for emigration and free of any other tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizens as a consequence of the desire of such citizens to emigrate to the country of their choice; and

(2) has received normal trade relations treatment since 1992 and has been in full compliance with the freedom of emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 since 1994.

SEC. 3. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO BELARUS.

(a) Presidential Determinations and Extensions of Nondiscriminatory Treatment- Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.), the President may--

(1) determine that such title should no longer apply to Belarus; and

(2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to Belarus, proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of that country.

(b) Termination of Application of Title IV- On and after the effective date of the extension under subsection (a)(2) of nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Belarus, title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country.

END