The delegation

met with members of the Russian parliament, call the Duma, including the

speaker of the Duma, Gennady Seleznyov.

Discussions

covered trade and security concerns such as President George W. Bush's

proposed missile defense system. Members of the delegation also discussed

democratization of Russia and the importance of a free media to a free

democratic process.

"Russia

is a land of great opportunity, educated and talented people, and abundant

natural resources, but it presents great challenges to economic development,"

Collins said. "The country needs to develop a stronger rule of law,

as well as a more open government before business can flourish and strengthen

the economy."

Earlier in

the week, Collins and the delegation met with officials of the American

Chamber of Commerce in St. Petersburg, where they discussed the business

climate for American companies investing in Russia. One participant was

heavy equipment-maker Caterpillar, which operates a plant in Collins'

congressional district. John Disharoon, of Caterpillar, briefed Collins,

Hastert and members of the delegation on the firm's efforts to generate

greater trade in Russia.

"With

its crumbling infrastructure and backward agriculture, Russia could be

a major customer for Caterpillar agriculture and construction machinery,"

Collins said. "That could mean more jobs for Americans as well as

more prosperity for Russians."

Hastert said,

"We have a vested interest in helping Russia make the transition

from a totalitarian state to a democracy that values the rule of law and

the free market system."

Hastert is

the first speaker of the House to meet with Duma officials in Moscow since

the fall of the Soviet Union. Members of the congressional delegation

include Collins, Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., Intelligence

Committee Chairman Porter Goss, R-Fla., Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., Rep.

Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., Rep. Mike McNulty, D-N.Y., Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill.,

and Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla.

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