DATE=5/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L)
NUMBER=2-262818
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In Washington, supporters of permanent normal
trade relations with China are savoring a big victory
in the House of Representatives and starting to think
about the next step, in the Senate. A bill approving
permanent free trade with China (known as P-N-T-R) is
widely expected to clear the Senate as well, but its
opponents pledge to continue the fight. V-O-A's David
Swan reports.
TEXT: For American labor unions, the House vote
(Wednesday) in favor of permanent normal trade is a
bitter defeat. The A-F-L / C-I-O federation lashed
out at President Clinton and his alliance with House
Republican leaders, which drove P-N-T-R to victory.
The union's secretary-treasurer, Richard Trumka, also
attacked the big corporations that lobbied hard and
successfully for the plan.
/// Trumka Act ///
Yesterday (Wednesday) was big money's day and
big money won. And if we appear to be somewhat
upset about it, its because we're somewhat upset
about it.
/// End Act ///
The union says it has not yet drawn up a battle plan
for the Senate, which must also approve P-N-T-R in
order to make it the law. The measure would clear the
way for China to join the World Trade Organization and
open the vast Chinese market to American exporters.
While most senators favor free trade in general and
this bill in particular, it could hit some roadblocks.
The influential Foreign Relations Committee chairman,
Jesse Helms, says he will not let the Senate rubber-
stamp (EDS: quickly approve) the proposal. Mr. Helms
says he wants a robust debate about what he calls
China's horrendous labor practices, suppression of
freedom and threats against Taiwan.
Liberal Democratic Party senators are expected to
press for stronger worker rights and human rights in
the trade package. Another group of lawmakers may try
to amend the bill to stop China from selling missiles
or other weapons to rogue nations. Republican Senator
Fred Thompson, who is sponsoring that proposal, says
trade must not be the only issue in U-S / Chinese
relations.
/// Thompson Act ///
I'm very much a free trader. I believe it's
been beneficial to us, not only from an economic
standpoint. I think it does enhance democracy
around the world, has promoted it. But trade
can not be the totality of our considerations
when we think of China.
/// End Act ///
There may be other attempts to change the bill passed
by the House. Still, P-N-T-R supporters such as
Democrat Robert Torricelli are confident the measure
will eventually pass.
/// Torricelli Act ///
It would take an extraordinary turn of events
for P-N-T-R to be defeated. I think not only
are there enough votes in the United States
Senate to pass P-N-T-R, but I think they could
do so by a substantial margin.
/// End Act ///
The Senate begins formal consideration of P-N-T-R for
China next month. It is not clear when the final vote
on the plan might come. The bill's supporters are
anxious to wrap up the issue before the November
elections draw too close and the matter becomes even
more politically charged. (Signed)
NEB/DS/JP
25-May-2000 16:26 PM EDT (25-May-2000 2026 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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