DATE=11/16/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=CONGRESS-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY) NUMBER=2-256248 BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The Clinton administration is promising an all-out effort to win congressional support for the new U-S trade agreement with China. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the biggest obstacle will be in the House of Representatives. TEXT: The reaction to the trade deal in Congress has been mixed: everything from a warm embrace to total rejection of the pact. The Clinton administration was probably heartened by the initial response from the Senate, where no voices were raised in opposition. Montana Democrat Max Baucus praised the pact, but cautioned Congress will have to keep a close watch on its implementation. /// BAUCUS ACT /// This is a good agreement. It serves American interests. We have a lot of work ahead of us to help implement it - to follow up and make sure it is implemented. It deserves our support. /// END ACT /// The reaction from congressional Republican Party leaders was limited to a carefully worded series of press releases. They seemed supportive of the deal, but said they want to read it before passing final judgement. House Speaker Dennis Hastert promised a series of hearings when Congress reconvenes in January. The legislature does not have to formally approve the agreement. But in order for the pact to go forward, lawmakers will have to give up their annual review of China's trade status and agree to permanent normal trade relations with Beijing. House Democrats seem to be leading the charge against the deal. And the biggest challenge facing President Clinton will be winning over skeptics in his own party. They include Ohio Congressman James Traficant. /// TRAFICANT ACT /// The (U-S) Trade Representative is all excited about her new deal with China. I must ask you here, is she a masochist or what? /// END ACT /// The labor union movement in the United States has already come out against the agreement. Unions have long been strong supporters of the Democratic Party. And they are promising to make the China trade deal an issue in next year's elections for Congress and the White House. (Signed) NEB/PW/TVM/JP 16-Nov-1999 17:33 PM EDT (16-Nov-1999 2233 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
