DATE=5/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L)
NUMBER=2-262818
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  In Washington, supporters of permanent normal 
trade relations with China are savoring a big victory 
in the House of Representatives and starting to think 
about the next step, in the Senate.  A bill approving 
permanent free trade with China (known as  P-N-T-R) is 
widely expected to clear the Senate as well, but its 
opponents pledge to continue the fight.  V-O-A's David 
Swan reports.


TEXT:  For American labor unions, the House vote 
(Wednesday) in favor of permanent normal trade is a 
bitter defeat.  The A-F-L / C-I-O federation lashed 
out at President Clinton and his alliance with House 
Republican leaders, which drove P-N-T-R to victory.  
The union's secretary-treasurer, Richard Trumka, also 
attacked the big corporations that lobbied hard and 
successfully for the plan.

            /// Trumka Act ///

      Yesterday (Wednesday) was big money's day and 
      big money won.  And if we appear to be somewhat 
      upset about it, its because we're somewhat upset 
      about it.

            /// End Act ///

The union says it has not yet drawn up a battle plan 
for the Senate, which must also approve P-N-T-R in 
order to make it the law.  The measure would clear the 
way for China to join the World Trade Organization and 
open the vast Chinese market to American exporters.

While most senators favor free trade in general and 
this bill in particular, it could hit some roadblocks.  
The influential Foreign Relations Committee chairman, 
Jesse Helms, says he will not let the Senate rubber-
stamp (EDS: quickly approve) the proposal.  Mr. Helms 
says he wants a robust debate about what he calls 
China's horrendous labor practices, suppression of 
freedom and threats against Taiwan.

Liberal Democratic Party senators are expected to 
press for stronger worker rights and human rights in 
the trade package.  Another group of lawmakers may try 
to amend the bill to stop China from selling missiles 
or other weapons to rogue nations.  Republican Senator 
Fred Thompson, who is sponsoring that proposal, says 
trade must not be the only issue in U-S / Chinese 
relations.

            /// Thompson Act ///

      I'm very much a free trader.  I believe it's 
      been beneficial to us, not only from an economic 
      standpoint.  I think it does enhance democracy 
      around the world, has promoted it.  But trade 
      can not be the totality of our considerations 
      when we think of China.

            /// End Act ///

There may be other attempts to change the bill passed 
by the House.  Still, P-N-T-R supporters such as 
Democrat Robert Torricelli are confident the measure 
will eventually pass.

            /// Torricelli Act ///

      It would take an extraordinary turn of events 
      for P-N-T-R to be defeated.  I think not only 
      are there enough votes in the United States 
      Senate to pass P-N-T-R, but I think they could 
      do so by a substantial margin.

            /// End Act ///

The Senate begins formal consideration of P-N-T-R for 
China next month.  It is not clear when the final vote 
on the plan might come.  The bill's supporters are 
anxious to wrap up the issue before the November 
elections draw too close and the matter becomes even 
more politically charged.   (Signed)

NEB/DS/JP




25-May-2000 16:26 PM EDT (25-May-2000 2026 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.