DATE=5/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS/CHINA OVERNIGHTER (L)
NUMBER=2-262439
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Legislation granting permanent normal trade
relations to China faces its first procedural hurdle
today (Wednesday) in the U-S Congress. Committees in
both the House and Senate are expected to approve the
measure. But as V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, the
outcome of next week's crucial vote in the full House
of Representatives remains too close to call.
TEXT: On the eve of committee action on the
legislation, backers got a boost. New York
Congressman Charles Rangel - - the top Democrat on the
House panel responsible for tariffs and trade - - made
a big announcement.
///Rangel act///
I am going to support granting this.
///end act///
Mr. Rangel is one of the highest ranking African-
Americans in Congress, and an influential member of
his party. His decision puts him at odds with
organized labor, which is putting election year
pressure on Democrats to vote "no."
///(optional) second Rangel act///
It is very difficult for me to understand why at
this time and this place the unions have decided
to make this a litmus test.
///end act///
Mr. Rangel's decision is cheered by the White House.
But opponents of the trade measure - - such as
Michigan Democrat David Bonior - - are downplaying its
significance.
///Bonior act///
He will probably take one or two people with
him. But I am not overly concerned about that.
///end act///
As the time for debate in the House chamber nears,
both sides are focusing on the most emotional aspects
of the China trade controversy - - those most likely
to bring on a response from the American public. Mr.
Bonior is focusing on human rights, and a potential
loss of American jobs.
///(optional) second Bonior act///
China is a brutal police state. You oppose the
government on human rights grounds, political
grounds, forming unions, and you will end up in
jail.
///end (optional) act///
But supporters of the legislation say trade is the
best way to bring about change. Among them is North
Dakota's Republican Governor, Edward Schafer.
///Schafer act///
It gives us the opportunity to export what I
believe is our most valuable asset - - and that
is our culture.
///end act///
Mr. Schafer says 47 of the 54 governors of U-S states
and territories have signed a letter of support for
permanent normal trade relations with China.
Their views are likely to find favor in the pro-trade
U-S Senate. But Senate approval is not enough. Both
chambers of Congress must pass the China trade bill in
order for it to become law. (signed)
NEB/PT
16-May-2000 17:01 PM EDT (16-May-2000 2101 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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