What's New

Committee Schedule

Prints and Publications

Rules and Jurisdiction

Legislative Resources

Search the
Committee's site

Committee Membership

Committee News Releases

Chairmen's Portraits Page

FULL COMMITTEE

Tax Issues Only

SUBCOMMITTEES:

Trade

Oversight

Health

Social Security

Human Resources

Select Revenue Measures

Privacy, Copyright, and Permission to Link Statement

Committee on Ways and Means
Subcommittee on Trade

***NOTICE -- HEARING RESCHEDULED***

For Immediate Release
Contact: Barbara Clay or Christin Tinsworth 202-225-8933
October 9, 2001

Ceasing ‘Conflict Diamond’ Trade

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, October 10, 2001 the Subcommittee on Trade will welcome officials from the U.S. Department of State and Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as it considers legislative options concerning ‘conflict diamonds’- precious gems that are traded for arms to fuel civil war in African countries

Many claim that the Sierra Leone rebel organization, Revolutionary United Front, has been trading “conflict diamonds” to fund its war against the government of Sierra Leone.  The United Nations has adopted several resolutions calling for embargoes against diamonds from Sierra Leone and other African countries. 

The United States has been actively involved in efforts to control trade in ‘conflict diamonds’ and in developing an international regime known as the ‘Kimberley Process’ to help countries identify the source of diamonds in order to implement the United Nations resolutions.

Trade Subcommittee Chairman Phil Crane (R-IL) stated, “'Conflict diamonds' are fueling bloody battles that kill innocent civilians and destabilize the region.  The Bush Administration is working to build an international coalition to stop the trade, and we will explore legislative vehicles to reinforce their efforts.”