PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 1999
Freedom to Market Act - Directs the Comptroller General to prepare a report, and submit to specified congressional committees, assessing the impact and effectiveness of economic sanctions imposed by the United States on foreign countries. Prohibits the President from restricting or prohibiting any exports (including restricted commercial or Federal financing) of food, other agricultural products, including fertilizer, medicines, or medical supplies and equipment as part of any policy of existing or future unilateral economic sanctions imposed against a foreign government. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for one-year periods if it is determined to be in the national security interests of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to the Congress on the economic impact of multilateral and unilateral sanctions by foreign governments on U.S. exports of agricultural commodities. Directs the Secretary to expand agricultural export assistance under U.S. market development, food assistance, or export promotion programs to offset projected losses of agricultural commodity markets from such sanctions.
People & committees
Rep. Nethercutt, George R., Jr. [R-WA-5] · R–WA
Legislative record
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Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3441)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2641)
Referred to the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade.
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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