DATE=6/7/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263272
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  Backers of permanent normal trade relations 
with China are pushing for an early vote in the U-S 
Senate to follow last month's favorable vote in the 
House of Representatives.  But as V-O-A's David Swan 
reports, the outlook for the Senate vote is unclear.


TEXT:  Unlike the sharply divided House, the Senate is 
strongly inclined toward free trade and is considered 
certain to sign off on P-N-T-R (Permanent Normal Trade 
Relations).  This would clear the way for Beijing to 
enter the World Trade Organization, open China's 
market to American goods and give President Clinton 
one last victory in foreign policy.

But the timing of Senate action and the content of the 
bill are in doubt -- and both issues could still 
derail the plan.  A delay in the vote could drag the 
proposal deeper into election year politics.  And if 
the Senate amends or changes the P-N-T-R legislation 
approved by the House, another round of votes will be 
needed, which would give opponents another chance to 
kill it.

With this in mind, supporters of P-N-T-R are trying to 
move the measure quickly.  Members of the Senate 
Finance Committee have agreed to accept the House 
version.  A group of moderate Democrats has urged 
Senate leaders to schedule a vote this month, and has 
vowed to fight all amendments.  While this strategy is 
unusual, Senator Richard Bryan says it is necessary.

            /// Bryan Act ///

      And those who oppose this legislation would like 
      nothing more than to get some amendment added to 
      this measure which would require it to go back 
      to the House.  That would be, in my judgement, 
      not only mischievous but potentially defeating.  
      So the time for action is now.  There's no 
      reason to delay it.  None whatsoever.

            /// End Act ///

Republican leaders say they will not be rushed into a 
vote and may take up other bills first, though most 
Republicans favor P-N-T-R on its merits.  The plan's 
opponents have promised a spirited debate on issues 
like human rights and worker rights.

The House legislation would set up a commission to 
monitor China's human rights practices.  Though 
critics complain this is not enough, P-N-T-R 
supporters will accept it in hopes of pushing the 
larger bill through Congress as soon as possible.   
(Signed)

NEB/DS/ENE/JP




07-Jun-2000 16:29 PM EDT (07-Jun-2000 2029 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.