As a staffer, Perle drafted the Jackson–Vanik amendment to the 1972 International Grains Agreement (IGA), or "Russian Wheat Deal" negotiated by Richard Nixon and the Soviet Union which made for the first time by law a trade agreement contingent upon the fundamental human right of Soviet Jews to emigrate. He was considered an extremely knowledgeable and influential person in the Senate debates on arms control. By his own admission, Perle acquired the reputation of an influential figure who preferred to work in the background, a reputation that has followed him through the years in both the public and the private sectors. At some point (usually said to be during his time in the Reagan Administration) Perle acquired the nickname "The Prince of Darkness", which has been used both as a slur by his critics and as a joke by supporters. ("Time", 23 March 1987, "Farewell Dark Prince") However, he has been quoted: "I really resent being depicted as some sort of dark mystic or some demonic power... All I can do is sit down and talk to someone..." ("The New York Times", 4December 1977, "Jackson Aide Stirs Criticism in Arms Debate", Richard L. Madden)