DATE=5/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS/CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY) (CQ)
NUMBER=2-262662
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 


INTRO:  Debate in the House of Representatives about 
trade with China is just two days away - and both 
sides are waging strong last-minute campaigns.  
Lawmakers will vote on a bill to grant permanent 
normal trade relations and bring an end to their 
annual review of Chinese policies and practices.  
V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT:  The vote remains too close to call -- and the 
outcome could depend on the last-minute decisions of a 
dwindling pool of undecided House members.

They are under strong pressure - so strong that one 
frustrated lawmaker has banned anyone trying to win 
his vote from his office.

Organized labor - fearing losses of American jobs - is 
campaigning hard for rejection of the trade bill.  The 
business community is fighting back with national 
advertisements promising an expanded market in China 
for American goods.

California Republican Tom Campbell has been courted by 
both sides.  He originally opposed the trade 
legislation because it was linked to China's bid to 
join the World Trade Organization.  He changed his 
mind when China signed a market-opening deal with the 
European Union. 

            /// CAMPBELL ACT ///

      Last Friday, the European Union reached 
      agreement with China on China's entry to the W-
      T-O, meaning now China's entry is assured.  For 
      Congress, W-T-O is no longer on the table (no 
      longer part of the debate). 

            /// END ACT ///

There are splits on trade with China in both political 
parties, though Democrats, with their ties to 
organized labor, are more likely to vote "no."  
Republican leaders in the House are working hard to 
pass the trade bill, but one of the strongest 
opponents is a member of their own party: Virginia 
Congressman Frank Wolf.  He cites human-rights and 
national security concerns.

            /// WOLF ACT ///

      I will vote "no" and one of the major reasons 
      for voting "no" will be because of a briefing I 
      received from our intelligence people [the 
      Central Intelligence Agency].  That information 
      troubles me so greatly that I have been urging 
      every member of Congress to get the briefing 
      before they vote.

            /// END ACT ///

In contrast to the House, Senate passage of the bill 
is virtually assured.  But both chambers must approve 
the legislation in order for it to clear Congress.  
The Senate will only take up the bill if it clears the 
House.   (signed)

NEB/PW/WTW



22-May-2000 17:08 PM EDT (22-May-2000 2108 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.