DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS - CHINA DEBATE (L)
NUMBER=2-262723
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S House of Representatives will vote
Wednesday on a controversial bill to establish
permanent normal trade relations with China. V-O-A's
Paula Wolfson reports so many lawmakers wanted to
speak, they began the debate a day early.
TEXT: The debate began on a solemn note. Texas
Republican Bill Archer was the first to speak.
/// ARCHER ACT ///
This debate today is likely the most important
debate that we will make not only in this
Congress (this two-year session of the
legislature) but perhaps in our entire careers.
/// END ACT ///
Lawmakers agree on the importance of the debate...but
not on the merits of the trade bill. The rhetoric is
hot...and the outcome is unclear.
Supporters of the bill seem to have a bit of last-
minute momentum. But opponents of permanent normal
trade relations are fighting back.
As the debate got underway, the opposition held one
last rally on the steps of the Capitol Building.
Michigan Democrat David Bonior said they could still
get the necessary votes to block the legislation.
/// BONIOR ACT ///
While the advocates of this trade deal have been
advocating the interests of Wall Street, we have
been standing up for working Americans living
back on Main Street.
/// END ACT ////
Mr. Bonior was cheered by an audience made up largely
of union members. Organized labor has been campaigning
hard against the China trade bill - - particularly
among House Democrats. Labor leaders argue the
legislation is dangerous and will cost American jobs.
Those who back the legislation paint a very different
picture. They see a huge new market for American
exports. And they stress the most important exports
of all will be American values and culture.
/// OPTIONAL ARMEY TEASE ACT ///
...let me just show you one thing that this is
about.
/// END OPTIONAL ACT //
At a Capitol Hill news conference, House Republican
leader Richard Armey held up a pocket-sized computer.
/// ARMEY ACT ///
/// OPT /// With this we can have access to the
Internet and e-mail. With are going to sell
more of this and many other products in China.
/// END OPT /// Chinese people are going to have
access to information about what the world of
freedom is all about. This pocket P.C. is a
nightmare to the communist hard-liners in China.
/// END ACT ///
The House vote is the result of an agreement reached
last year between the United States and China.
Beijing promised to open its markets if Washington
would grant permanent normal trade relations, bringing
an end to the annual congressional review of trade
ties.
Support has never been in doubt in the pro-trade
Senate. But both chambers must approve the bill in
order for it to become law, and a "no" vote in the
House would be enough to kill the legislation.
(Signed)
NEB/pw/gm
23-May-2000 18:46 PM LOC (23-May-2000 2246 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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