Wednesday, June 6, 2001
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Wednesday, June 6, 2001 |
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Collins joins delegation to Russia U.S. Rep. Mac Collins said trade and defense issues dominated discussions in Moscow last week between Russian officials and a congressional delegation led by U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert. The delegation met with members of the Russian parliament, call the Duma, including the speaker of the Duma, Gennady Seleznyov. Discussions covered trade and security concerns such as President George W. Bush's proposed missile defense system. Members of the delegation also discussed democratization of Russia and the importance of a free media to a free democratic process. "Russia is a land of great opportunity, educated and talented people, and abundant natural resources, but it presents great challenges to economic development," Collins said. "The country needs to develop a stronger rule of law, as well as a more open government before business can flourish and strengthen the economy." Earlier in the week, Collins and the delegation met with officials of the American Chamber of Commerce in St. Petersburg, where they discussed the business climate for American companies investing in Russia. One participant was heavy equipment-maker Caterpillar, which operates a plant in Collins' congressional district. John Disharoon, of Caterpillar, briefed Collins, Hastert and members of the delegation on the firm's efforts to generate greater trade in Russia. "With its crumbling infrastructure and backward agriculture, Russia could be a major customer for Caterpillar agriculture and construction machinery," Collins said. "That could mean more jobs for Americans as well as more prosperity for Russians." Hastert said, "We have a vested interest in helping Russia make the transition from a totalitarian state to a democracy that values the rule of law and the free market system." Hastert is the first speaker of the House to meet with Duma officials in Moscow since the fall of the Soviet Union. Members of the congressional delegation include Collins, Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., Intelligence Committee Chairman Porter Goss, R-Fla., Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., Rep. Mike McNulty, D-N.Y., Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., and Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla.
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