DATE=5/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS/CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY) (CQ)
NUMBER=2-262662
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Debate in the House of Representatives about
trade with China is just two days away - and both
sides are waging strong last-minute campaigns.
Lawmakers will vote on a bill to grant permanent
normal trade relations and bring an end to their
annual review of Chinese policies and practices.
V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from Capitol Hill.
TEXT: The vote remains too close to call -- and the
outcome could depend on the last-minute decisions of a
dwindling pool of undecided House members.
They are under strong pressure - so strong that one
frustrated lawmaker has banned anyone trying to win
his vote from his office.
Organized labor - fearing losses of American jobs - is
campaigning hard for rejection of the trade bill. The
business community is fighting back with national
advertisements promising an expanded market in China
for American goods.
California Republican Tom Campbell has been courted by
both sides. He originally opposed the trade
legislation because it was linked to China's bid to
join the World Trade Organization. He changed his
mind when China signed a market-opening deal with the
European Union.
/// CAMPBELL ACT ///
Last Friday, the European Union reached
agreement with China on China's entry to the W-
T-O, meaning now China's entry is assured. For
Congress, W-T-O is no longer on the table (no
longer part of the debate).
/// END ACT ///
There are splits on trade with China in both political
parties, though Democrats, with their ties to
organized labor, are more likely to vote "no."
Republican leaders in the House are working hard to
pass the trade bill, but one of the strongest
opponents is a member of their own party: Virginia
Congressman Frank Wolf. He cites human-rights and
national security concerns.
/// WOLF ACT ///
I will vote "no" and one of the major reasons
for voting "no" will be because of a briefing I
received from our intelligence people [the
Central Intelligence Agency]. That information
troubles me so greatly that I have been urging
every member of Congress to get the briefing
before they vote.
/// END ACT ///
In contrast to the House, Senate passage of the bill
is virtually assured. But both chambers must approve
the legislation in order for it to clear Congress.
The Senate will only take up the bill if it clears the
House. (signed)
NEB/PW/WTW
22-May-2000 17:08 PM EDT (22-May-2000 2108 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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