DATE=5/10/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS/CHINA TRADE (L)
NUMBER=2-262206
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: There are signs a bill to grant permanent
normal trade relations to China could be in trouble in
the U-S House of Representatives. Top Republicans
admit, with final House action just weeks away, they
do not yet have the votes to pass the bill. V-O-A's
Paula Wolfson reports from Capitol Hill.
TEXT: The House is scheduled to take up the measure
the week of May 22nd. Senior Republicans strongly back
the bill, but indicate they are having a tougher time
than expected convincing members of their own party.
Republicans have always voted for trade bills in
larger numbers than Democrats. A simple majority is
needed to pass such legislation -- 218 votes if all
435 House members are present. Republicans had hoped
to provide as many as 150 or 160 votes for permanent
normal trade relations with China, or P-N-T-R. But
their first informal poll of party members --
conducted Tuesday -- dampened their optimism.
Texas Congressman Tom Delay -- the number three
Republican in the House -- now says they will need as
many as 90 votes from Democrats to approve the bill.
Democrats leading the fight for permanent normal trade
relations say the most they will be able to provide is
70 or 80.
During a session with reporters -- with no cameras or
microphones allowed -- Mr. Delay acknowledged it will
be difficult to get the needed votes. He added the
Republican leadership has a very tough assignment
ahead.
The extent of the problem is personified in Republican
Congressman Bob Ney of Ohio. He leads the anti-P-N-T-
R movement in the party.
/// Ney act ///
It is not a monolithic, lock-step issue. People
feel very, very -- on our side of the aisle as I
am sure on the Democrat side of the aisle --
very strong on this.
/// End Act ///
Many opponents of permanent normal trade relations
with China from both parties say it makes no sense for
Congress to give up its annual trade review. They say
it is a way for the United States to maintain leverage
in the areas of human rights, labor standards and arms
proliferation.
To ease their concerns -- and win their votes --
proponents of the trade bill are considering companion
legislation to establish some kind of mechanism to
monitor Chinese practices.
One proposal is to create a commission made up of
members of Congress and administration appointees with
the power to recommend sanctions. Michigan Democrat
Sander Levin is one of the authors of the plan.
/// Levin Act //
It will be a continuing, strong, focused
spotlight on human rights -- including labor
rights practices and malpractice -- within
China.
/// End Act ///
When asked about the Levin proposal, Congressman Delay
sounded -- at best -- lukewarm. But the idea has won
signs of support from the White House and Congressman
Bill Archer, the chairman of the committee responsible
for trade legislation. (signed)
NEB/PW/JP
10-May-2000 16:54 PM EDT (10-May-2000 2054 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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