DATE=6/7/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263272
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Backers of permanent normal trade relations
with China are pushing for an early vote in the U-S
Senate to follow last month's favorable vote in the
House of Representatives. But as V-O-A's David Swan
reports, the outlook for the Senate vote is unclear.
TEXT: Unlike the sharply divided House, the Senate is
strongly inclined toward free trade and is considered
certain to sign off on P-N-T-R (Permanent Normal Trade
Relations). This would clear the way for Beijing to
enter the World Trade Organization, open China's
market to American goods and give President Clinton
one last victory in foreign policy.
But the timing of Senate action and the content of the
bill are in doubt -- and both issues could still
derail the plan. A delay in the vote could drag the
proposal deeper into election year politics. And if
the Senate amends or changes the P-N-T-R legislation
approved by the House, another round of votes will be
needed, which would give opponents another chance to
kill it.
With this in mind, supporters of P-N-T-R are trying to
move the measure quickly. Members of the Senate
Finance Committee have agreed to accept the House
version. A group of moderate Democrats has urged
Senate leaders to schedule a vote this month, and has
vowed to fight all amendments. While this strategy is
unusual, Senator Richard Bryan says it is necessary.
/// Bryan Act ///
And those who oppose this legislation would like
nothing more than to get some amendment added to
this measure which would require it to go back
to the House. That would be, in my judgement,
not only mischievous but potentially defeating.
So the time for action is now. There's no
reason to delay it. None whatsoever.
/// End Act ///
Republican leaders say they will not be rushed into a
vote and may take up other bills first, though most
Republicans favor P-N-T-R on its merits. The plan's
opponents have promised a spirited debate on issues
like human rights and worker rights.
The House legislation would set up a commission to
monitor China's human rights practices. Though
critics complain this is not enough, P-N-T-R
supporters will accept it in hopes of pushing the
larger bill through Congress as soon as possible.
(Signed)
NEB/DS/ENE/JP
07-Jun-2000 16:29 PM EDT (07-Jun-2000 2029 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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