The Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) is a crucial law that changed the way international trade is conducted around the world. The act was passed by the United States Congress in 1994 and has been in effect ever since.

The URAA was implemented to make the United States compliant with the agreements reached during the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The negotiations began in 1986 and continued until 1994, eventually resulting in the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The URAA amended various provisions of United States trade law to conform to the WTO Agreement and to implement the Uruguay Round agreements.

The legislative history of the URAA is significant in understanding how the act became law. The bill was introduced in both the House and Senate in 1993, and after intense debate, was passed by both chambers in 1994. President Bill Clinton signed it into law on December 8, 1994.

During the debate surrounding the URAA, there was opposition from some groups who argued that the act would harm American workers and industries, as it would allow for cheap imports and could result in the outsourcing of jobs. Supporters of the URAA, on the other hand, argued that it would lower prices for consumers, increase exports, and create new opportunities for American businesses.

Despite the opposition, the URAA was ultimately passed with bipartisan support. The act has had a significant impact on international trade, as it has facilitated the growth of global commerce and lowered trade barriers between countries.

In conclusion, the legislative history of the URAA sheds light on the complex process of passing a bill into law. The act has had a significant impact on international trade and has helped to create a more interconnected world economy. Understanding the URAA and its legislative history is crucial for anyone interested in the field of international trade.