DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS - CHINA DEBATE (L)
NUMBER=2-262723
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 


INTRO:    The U-S House of Representatives will vote 
Wednesday on a controversial bill to establish 
permanent normal trade relations with China.  V-O-A's 
Paula Wolfson reports so many lawmakers wanted to 
speak, they began the debate a day early.


TEXT:     The debate began on a solemn note.  Texas 
Republican Bill Archer was the first to speak.

            /// ARCHER ACT ///

      This debate today is likely the most important 
      debate that we will make not only in this 
      Congress (this two-year session of the 
      legislature) but perhaps in our entire careers.

            /// END ACT ///

Lawmakers agree on the importance of the debate...but 
not on the merits of the trade bill. The rhetoric is 
hot...and the outcome is unclear.  

Supporters of the bill seem to have a bit of last-
minute momentum.  But opponents of permanent normal 
trade relations are fighting back.

As the debate got underway, the opposition held one 
last rally on the steps of the Capitol Building.  
Michigan Democrat David Bonior said they could still 
get the necessary votes to block the legislation.

            /// BONIOR ACT ///

      While the advocates of this trade deal have been 
      advocating the interests of Wall Street, we have 
      been standing up for working Americans living 
      back on Main Street.

            /// END ACT ////

Mr. Bonior was cheered by an audience made up largely 
of union members. Organized labor has been campaigning 
hard against the China trade bill - - particularly 
among House Democrats.   Labor leaders argue the 
legislation is dangerous and will cost American jobs. 

Those who back the legislation paint a very different 
picture.  They see a huge new market for American 
exports.   And they stress the most important exports 
of all will be American values and culture.

            /// OPTIONAL ARMEY TEASE ACT ///

      ...let me just show you one thing that this is 
      about.

            /// END OPTIONAL ACT //

At a Capitol Hill news conference, House Republican 
leader Richard Armey held up a pocket-sized computer.

            /// ARMEY ACT ///

      /// OPT /// With this we can have access to the 
      Internet and e-mail.  With are going to sell 
      more of this and many other products in China. 
      /// END OPT /// Chinese people are going to have 
      access to information about what the world of 
      freedom is all about.  This pocket P.C. is a 
      nightmare to the communist hard-liners in China. 

            /// END ACT ///

The House vote is the result of an agreement reached 
last year between the United States and China.  
Beijing promised to open its markets if Washington 
would grant permanent normal trade relations, bringing 
an end to the annual congressional review of trade 
ties.

Support has never been in doubt in the pro-trade 
Senate. But both chambers must approve the bill in 
order for it to become law, and a "no" vote in the 
House would be enough to kill the legislation. 
(Signed)

NEB/pw/gm



23-May-2000 18:46 PM LOC (23-May-2000 2246 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.