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
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