PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 5, 1998
Freedom to Market Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct, and submit to specified congressional committees, a report that: (1) examines all unilateral and multilateral economic sanctions affecting U.S. businesses, including an evaluation of their effectiveness in meeting stated policy goals; (2) examines the economic impact of sanctions on U.S. producers and exporters; (3) assesses humanitarian conditions within sanctioned countries, including how sanctions have affected particular states; and (4) assesses potential countries, not now subject to sanctions, that may be sanctioned under existing U.S. law or executive authority. Prohibits the President from restricting or otherwise prohibiting any exports (including restricted commercial or Federal financing) of food, other agricultural products (including fertilizer), medicines, or medical supplies or equipment as part of any policy of existing or future unilateral economic sanctions imposed against a foreign government. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if it is in the national security interests of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the Secretary's assessment of all markets where U.S. exports of agricultural commodities are limited because of multilateral or unilateral economic sanctions, including its economic impact on producers; (2) the extent to which displaced U.S. commodities are being supplied by foreign competitors; (3) the expected longer-term consequences of interrupting U.S. exports; and (4) any assistance provided by the Foreign Agricultural Service to offset lost markets due to the sanctions. Directs the Secretary to expand, to the maximum extent permitted by law and by the obligations of the United States pursuant to the Agreement on Agriculture under the Uruguay Round Agreements, agricultural export assistance under U.S. market development, food assistance, or export promotion programs to offset projected losses of agricultural commodity markets from unilateral and multilateral sanctions.
People & committees
Rep. Nethercutt, George R., Jr. [R-WA-5] · R–WA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to House Agriculture
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 House International Relations
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4704 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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