DATE=5/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262656
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: With a crucial vote approaching in the U-S House of
Representatives on normalizing trade relations with China,
President Clinton is personally lobbying undecided
lawmakers to support the measure. In what is has become
the biggest legislative battle this year, Mr. Clinton is
not leaving anything to chance. Correspondent Deborah Tate
reports from the White House.
TEXT: Mr. Clinton says he remains hopeful the trade
measure will pass. "We are making progress," he told
reporters after welcoming South African President Thabo
Mbeki to the White House.
A vote on extending permanent normal trade relations [or P-
N-T-R] to China is tentatively scheduled in the House
Wednesday, and the outcome is expected to be close.
Some lawmakers in Mr. Clinton's own Democratic party,
backed by their influential labor union allies, fear freer
trade with China would set back human rights in that
country and could result in the loss of hundreds of
thousands of American jobs.
Mr. Clinton argues otherwise -- that more trade with the
world's most populous nation will help create jobs, and
that through engagement the United States can help
influence China's behavior.
A few dozen lawmakers remain undecided, and White House
spokesman Joe Lockhart says the President will personally
argue the merits of P-N-T-R to them ahead of the vote.
/// 1st LOCKHART ACT ///
This has come down to a small universe of
members who are making up their minds, and we will do
our best to make our case to them over the next two
days.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Lockhart says the administration will be happy if only
a simple majority of the 435-member House backs the
measure.
/// 2ND LOCKHART ACT ///
Ultimately our goal here is to get 218 votes for this
[measure] to pass P-N-T-R.
/// END ACT ///
The trade measure, which is expected to be easily approved
in the Senate, would open Chinese markets to more U-S goods
and end the annual congressional review of China's trading
status. It would also pave the way for China to enter the
World Trade Organization. (Signed)
NEB/DAT/WTW
22-May-2000 16:15 PM EDT (22-May-2000 2015 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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