DATE=7/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264865
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
INTRO: The U-S Senate has signaled its strong support
for permanent normal trade relations with China,
setting the plan on course for likely approval in
September. V-O-A's David Swan has details.
TEXT: After haggling for weeks about the timing and
terms of debate, senators put the process in motion
just before leaving for a month-long recess. But
though the decisive vote must wait a while longer, the
plan is expected to pass by a comfortable margin once
that vote comes.
The trade bill overwhelmingly (86 to 12) cleared a
procedural roadblock (Thursday). Afterward, its
supporters and opponents gave a brief preview of the
long debate they will hold when the Senate reconvenes
in early September. Republican Senator William Roth
argues it helps Americans for China to join the World
Trade Organization and open its market.
// Roth act //
What this vote is about is whether American
farmers, American business, American workers,
real working men and women back home in each of
our states will receive the benefits of an
agreement that three presidents from both
parties have pursued with incredible dedication
for 13 years.
// end act //
Others served notice they will fight the measure and
try to attach amendments that reflect their concerns.
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms says
he will not let the Senate ignore key issues.
// Helms act //
China's pitiful human rights record, China's
brutal suppression of religious freedom, China's
increasingly belligerent stance toward the
democratic Chinese government on Taiwan and
China's unbroken record of violating agreements
one after another on other matters. You can't
trust them.
// end act //
The Senate must also deal with a separate bill that
would punish Beijing for spreading weapons of mass
destruction to places like Pakistan and Iran. (Signed)
NEB/DS/PT
27-Jul-2000 17:32 PM EDT (27-Jul-2000 2132 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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