DATE=9/11/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE - CHINA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266368
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Senate is expected to vote before
week's end on a trade bill with China. Only one major
hurdle stands in the way: an effort by Beijing's
critics in Congress to link trade to Chinese arms
proliferation. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from
Capitol Hill.
TEXT: Senator Fred Thompson wants to add language to
the trade bill on weapons proliferation. He says
Congress owes the American people no less.
/// THOMPSON FIRST ACT ///
The federal government's first responsibility is
the protection of our national security.
/// END ACT ////
The Tennessee Republican says trade and non-
proliferation concerns should go hand-in-hand. He
says pending legislation granting permanent normal
trade relations to China must include an annual review
of arms sales policies, and the threat of U-S
sanctions.
/// THOMPSON SECOND ACT ///
It is inconceivable to me that we can address
these trade-related issues and embrace our new
trading partner - - China - - in a new regime
(trading arrangement) without also addressing
and doing something about the fact that they are
making this world, and particularly the United
States, a more dangerous place to live.
/// END ACT ///
But supporters of permanent normal trade relations - -
or P-N-T-R - - say the Senate must resist the
temptation to amend the legislation. Montana Democrat
Max Baucus says if Mr. Thompson's proposal passes, the
bill will be in danger.
/// BAUCUS ACT ///
A positive vote on this amendment is a vote to
kill P-N-T-R. Every senator must understand
this. Every senator must decide whether he or
she wants to kill P-N-T-R with all the negative
ramifications for our economy and our ability to
influence China in the future.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Baucus says if the Senate makes any changes in the
bill, it will have to go back to the House of
Representatives, and that would needlessly put the
legislation in jeopardy.
Supporters fear with only a few weeks left in the
congressional session, the House may not have the time
to reconsider the bill. They also worry that
although the measure passed the House by a 40-vote
margin in May, labor unions could convince dozens of
lawmakers facing re-election in November to change
their votes.
Senator Thompson says he does not buy that argument.
/// THOMPSON ACT ///
Since when does the United States Senate vote on
an item simply because they are afraid of what
the House of Representatives might or might not
do?
/// END ACT ///
No time has been set for a vote on Senator Thompson's
amendment. Last week, the Senate easily defeated
several other amendments, including one dealing with
religious freedom in China. Supporters of trade with
China say most Senators realize there are better ways
to deal with these concerns. They expect the Thompson
amendment to fail, and permanent normal trade
relations to be approved by a wide margin. (Signed)
NEB/PW/TVM/FC
11-Sep-2000 17:14 PM EDT (11-Sep-2000 2114 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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