DATE=5/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS/CHINA OVERNIGHTER (L)
NUMBER=2-262439
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 


INTRO:  Legislation granting permanent normal trade 
relations to China faces its first procedural hurdle 
today (Wednesday) in the U-S Congress.   Committees in 
both the House and Senate are expected to approve the 
measure.  But as V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, the 
outcome of next week's crucial vote in the full House 
of Representatives remains too close to call.


TEXT:   On the eve of committee action on the 
legislation, backers got a boost.   New York 
Congressman Charles Rangel - - the top Democrat on the 
House panel responsible for tariffs and trade - - made 
a big announcement.

            ///Rangel act///

      I am going to support granting this.


            ///end act///

Mr. Rangel is one of the highest ranking African-
Americans in Congress, and an influential member of 
his party.   His decision puts him at odds with 
organized labor, which is putting election year 
pressure on Democrats to vote "no."  

            ///(optional) second Rangel act///

      It is very difficult for me to understand why at 
      this time and this place the unions have decided 
      to make this a litmus test.


            ///end act///

Mr. Rangel's decision is cheered by the White House.   
But opponents of the trade measure - - such as 
Michigan Democrat David Bonior - - are downplaying its 
significance.

            ///Bonior act///

      He will probably take one or two people with 
      him.  But I am not overly concerned about that.


            ///end act///

As the time for debate in the House chamber nears, 
both sides are focusing on the most emotional aspects 
of the China trade controversy - - those most likely 
to bring on a response from the American public.  Mr. 
Bonior is focusing on human rights, and a potential 
loss of American jobs.

            ///(optional) second Bonior act///

      China is a brutal police state.  You oppose the 
      government on human rights grounds, political 
      grounds, forming unions, and you will end up in 
      jail.


            ///end (optional) act///

But supporters of the legislation say trade is the 
best way to bring about change.   Among them is North 
Dakota's Republican Governor, Edward Schafer.

            ///Schafer act///

      It gives us the opportunity to export what I 
      believe is our most valuable asset - - and that 
      is our culture. 

            ///end act///

Mr. Schafer says 47 of the 54 governors of U-S states 
and territories have signed a letter of support for 
permanent normal trade relations with China.

Their views are likely to find favor in the pro-trade 
U-S Senate.   But Senate approval is not enough.  Both 
chambers of Congress must pass the China trade bill in 
order for it to become law.  (signed)


NEB/PT







16-May-2000 17:01 PM EDT (16-May-2000 2101 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.