The U.S. Congress - US Department of State

The U.S. Congress

Congress Sends Peru Free-Trade Pact to President

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hails Congress’ passage of a U.S.-Peru free-trade agreement. “Peruvian access to the U.S. market, which had to be renewed by Congress periodically, will become permanent. This permanent access will help build a more efficient and effective economic engine to create growth, jobs and economic opportunities both in Peru and in the United States,” Rice says in a statement. The U.S. Senate December 4 voted 77 to 18 in favor of the free-trade agreement with Peru, clearing the pact for final action by the president. (complete text)

U.S. House Recognizes South Asian Festival of Lights

As South Asian Americans prepared for one of their biggest traditional holidays, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution recognizing the significance of Diwali, the “festival of lights.” Representative Joe Wilson, who sponsored the resolution, says it marks “the international, religious and historical importance of the festival of Diwali as well as the religious diversity in India and throughout the world” and “recognizes the importance of Indian Americans -- a strong and vibrant immigrant community.” (complete text)

Proposed U.S. Shield Law for Reporters Gets Favorable Reviews

The U.S. Congress is considering what would be the nation’s first federal “shield” law to protect journalists from being forced to reveal confidential news sources. USINFO talks to respected authorities on both sides of the issue about the potential benefits and drawbacks of the bill now making its way through the U.S. (complete text)