DATE=9/11/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE - CHINA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266368
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 


INTRO:  The U-S Senate is expected to vote before 
week's end on a trade bill with China.  Only one major 
hurdle stands in the way: an effort by Beijing's 
critics in Congress to link trade to Chinese arms 
proliferation.  V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from 
Capitol Hill.


TEXT:  Senator Fred Thompson wants to add language to 
the trade bill on weapons proliferation.  He says 
Congress owes the American people no less.

            /// THOMPSON FIRST ACT ///

      The federal government's first responsibility is 
      the protection of our national security.
      
            /// END ACT ////

The Tennessee Republican says trade and non-
proliferation concerns should go hand-in-hand.  He 
says pending legislation granting permanent normal 
trade relations to China must include an annual review 
of arms sales policies, and the threat of U-S 
sanctions.

            /// THOMPSON SECOND ACT ///

      It is inconceivable to me that we can address 
      these trade-related issues and embrace our new 
      trading partner - - China - - in a new regime 
      (trading arrangement) without also addressing 
      and doing something about the fact that they are 
      making this world, and particularly the United 
      States, a more dangerous place to live.

            /// END ACT ///

But supporters of permanent normal trade relations - - 
or P-N-T-R - - say the Senate must resist the 
temptation to amend the legislation.  Montana Democrat 
Max Baucus says if Mr. Thompson's proposal passes, the 
bill will be in danger.

            /// BAUCUS ACT ///

      A positive vote on this amendment is a vote to 
      kill P-N-T-R.   Every senator must understand 
      this.  Every senator must decide whether he or 
      she wants to kill P-N-T-R with all the negative 
      ramifications for our economy and our ability to 
      influence China in the future.

            /// END ACT ///

Mr. Baucus says if the Senate makes any changes in the 
bill, it will have to go back to the House of 
Representatives, and that would needlessly put the 
legislation in jeopardy.

Supporters fear with only a few weeks left in the 
congressional session, the House may not have the time 
to reconsider the bill.   They also worry that 
although the measure passed the House by a 40-vote 
margin in May, labor unions could convince dozens of 
lawmakers facing re-election in November to change 
their votes.

Senator Thompson says he does not buy that argument.

            /// THOMPSON ACT ///

      Since when does the United States Senate vote on 
      an item simply because they are afraid of what 
      the House of Representatives might or might not 
      do?

            /// END ACT ///

No time has been set for a vote on Senator Thompson's 
amendment.  Last week, the Senate easily defeated 
several other amendments, including one dealing with 
religious freedom in China. Supporters of trade with 
China say most Senators realize there are better ways 
to deal with these concerns. They expect the Thompson 
amendment to fail, and permanent normal trade 
relations to be approved by a wide margin.  (Signed)

NEB/PW/TVM/FC



11-Sep-2000 17:14 PM EDT (11-Sep-2000 2114 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.