Agriculture Export Relief Act of 1998
Latest action (14 Jul 1998): Signed by President.
What this bill does
S. 2282, the Agriculture Export Relief Act of 1998, amends the Arms Export Control Act to change how U.S. sanctions apply to trade in food and agricultural goods. It adds a new exemption so that sanctions imposed under section 102(b)(1) of that Act do not apply to credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support purchases of food or other agricultural commodities. It also clarifies that the existing definition of "agricultural commodities" covered by such exemptions includes fertilizer, and expands another exemption to explicitly cover medicines and medical equipment. The Act specifies that the new USDA-related exemption applies to assistance provided before, on, or after enactment, through September 30, 1999, and that any sanctions already in effect before enactment cease to apply to the newly exempted items and activities.
The bill affects countries otherwise subject to U.S. sanctions under the Arms Export Control Act (typically imposed for actions such as nuclear proliferation), as well as U.S. agricultural exporters, USDA credit and guarantee programs, and suppliers of fertilizer, medicine, and medical equipment. In practice, it ensures that sanctions do not block USDA-backed financing for food and agricultural trade or block shipments of fertilizer, medicine, and medical equipment, even to sanctioned countries.
The bill was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell on July 9, 1998, passed Congress, and was signed into law by the President on July 14, 1998. No further legislative action is required, as the Act has been fully enacted.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Agriculture Export Relief Act of 1998 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to exempt, through September 30, 1999, Department of Agriculture assistance for the purchase or other provision of food or other agricultural commodities (including fertilizer, medicines, and medical equipment) from the prohibition against extensions of U.S. Government credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance to countries involved in the transfer or use of nuclear explosive devices.
Timeline
14 Jul 1998
Signed by President.
14 Jul 1998
Senate agreed to the House amendment by Unanimous Consent.
14 Jul 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
9 Jul 1998
Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 190.
Common questions
- What does S. 2282 do?
- S. 2282, the Agriculture Export Relief Act of 1998, amends the Arms Export Control Act to change how U.S. sanctions apply to trade in food and agricultural goods. It adds a new exemption so that sanctions imposed under section 102(b)(1) of that Act do not apply to credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support purchases of food or other agricultural commodities. It also clarifies that the existing definition of "agricultural commodities" covered by such exemptions includes fertilizer, and expands another exemption to explicitly cover medicines and medical equipment. The Act specifies that the new USDA-related exemption applies to assistance provided before, on, or after enactment, through September 30, 1999, and that any sanctions already in effect before enactment cease to apply to the newly exempted items and activities. The bill affects countries otherwise subject to U.S. sanctions under the Arms Export Control Act (typically imposed for actions such as nuclear proliferation), as well as U.S. agricultural exporters, USDA credit and guarantee programs, and suppliers of fertilizer, medicine, and medical equipment. In practice, it ensures that sanctions do not block USDA-backed financing for food and agricultural trade or block shipments of fertilizer, medicine, and medical equipment, even to sanctioned countries. The bill was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell on July 9, 1998, passed Congress, and was signed into law by the President on July 14, 1998. No further legislative action is required, as the Act has been fully enacted.
- Has S. 2282 become law?
- Yes. S. 2282 has been enacted. Status last updated 14 Jul 1998.
- Who sponsored S. 2282?
- S. 2282 was sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell [R-KY] (Republican-KY), with 22 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2282?
- Signed by President. (14 Jul 1998).
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