My fascination and study of the Russian people and culture began when I was back in college. In fact, when I was at West Chester University, I concentrated on Russian Studies and learned the language well enough to converse with Russian Citizens. Because of this background, I have attempted throughout my career to develop cooperative working relationships and open discussion with the people of the former Soviet Union. I have long believed that the improvement of economic and military conditions within the former superpower will increase the global political stability and world economy.
Last year, Speaker Newt Gingrich and Minor Leader Dick Gephardt appointed me the Congressional point person on communications with the Russian Government. As a result, I formed the Russian Duma-U.S. Congress Study Group. Composed of Members of Congress from both parties and Russian Duma Members from all factions, this group is working to foster a better relationship between legislatures. Through this exchange, we have helped many Russian political leaders learn more about how democracy operates in a free society. The Study Group has finished its first full year of work with meetings in both Moscow and Washington, and is planning to continue with a full schedule of meetings for the balance of 1998.

In addition, I have also led various bipartisan delegations to visit Russia. If we can clear many of the legislative and regulatory obstacles, we can encourage more U.S. investment and opportunities in what is perhaps the most exciting new market in the world. These ventures could generate U.S. access to major new sources of capitol, natural resources, and consumers and infuse the much needed money into the former Soviet republics to stabilize their governments and economies.