11 May 2000
Text: Speaker of the House Hastert May 11 Release on China Trade
(Says trade normalization will help U.S. high-tech firms) (520) House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert released a statement May 11 calling permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for China "the most basic thing Congress can do to help" American high-technology industries. "Congress must give these businesses the ability to fairly compete in China ... [and] normal trade relations with China are necessary for American businesses to compete on a level playing field," he said. "If we don't pass this legislation, European and Japanese companies will have open access to the Chinese market, while American businesses will be shut out," Hastert said. "The high-tech industry is counting on fair access to the Chinese marketplace," Hastert added. Following is the text of the statement: (begin text) Statement by House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert Regarding China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations Washington, DC -- House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) made the following statement today: "This Congress is committed to keeping our economy growing through tax relief, regulatory reform, and the opening of foreign markets. "Yesterday, my Republican colleagues and I gathered to unveil our E-Contract. That contract showed our unwavering commitment to helping the high-tech community. "Today, we gather to discuss an important part of that contract -- the passage of fair trade with China. Make no mistake, this is about fairness for American workers. Normal trade relations with China are necessary for American businesses to compete on a level playing field. If we don't pass this legislation, European and Japanese companies will have open access to the Chinese market, while American businesses will be shut out. "The high-tech industry is counting on fair access to the Chinese marketplace. It means more exports, for American businesses and more jobs for Americans. Today, we are joined by high-tech workers from around the country. They are here to remind us that fair trade with China is good news for their industry. "Randy Hill is one of the high-tech workers we'll hear from in a few minutes. Randy practices an old and noble profession in a new economy. He's a teacher of high technology. His students range from stockbrokers to steel workers looking to develop new skills to compete in the new economy. We've all witnessed the development of new high tech jobs -- jobs that simply didn't exist 5 years ago. Randy is helping place Americans in those positions. "There has been a lot of talk recently about how to keep the American high-tech industry growing. The most basic thing Congress can do to help the high-tech industry is to open up foreign markets to American products. Our high-tech businesses produce the best, most reliable products in the world. Congress must give these businesses the ability to fairly compete in China. "Now I'd like to introduce Dick Armey, whose leadership has been, and will be, invaluable in getting this legislation passed." (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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