Us Senate Approves Rubber Treaty

The Senate approved the agreement by voice vote. The House does not debate treaties.

The United States has entered into two previous rubber pacts, in 1979 and 1987.

But the Clinton administration has said this is the last such treaty the United States intends to agree to, saying it is time to move toward a free market.

Supporters of the agreement said it was needed to prevent wide price swings and protect domestic industries.

The United States is the world's largest user of natural rubber, but produces none of its own.

Virtually all Americans, whether they're aware of it or not, depend on rubber products every day of the week. Any American who drives a car or rides a bus or takes a taxi to work relies on rubber products,