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US House Begins Debate on PNTR With China
The US House of Representatives began debate Tuesday on a landmark legislation to grant China permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status, one day before its vote on the bill.
Supporters say the passage of the bill would spur reform in China and benefit U.S. companies eager to enter the vast Chinese market while opponents argued that it would harm employment in the United States.
In the two-hour debate, Representative David Dreier, chairman of the House Rules Committee, said that the trade bill before the House was "the single most important vote this session."
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer called it "the most important vote we will make, not only in this Congress, but perhaps in our total careers."
"China represents over one-quarter of the world's population," said the Republican representative form Texas. "Over one billion people will not be ignored in the international marketplace." As the debate opened in the House, President Bill Clinton sent a letter to all members of Congress, urging them to vote for the bill.
"If we want prosperity for our people, if we want to stand for freedom, if we want peace and security for our nation and the world, I believe the choice is clear: We must extend permanent normal trade relations for China," he wrote.
Supporters seemed to be more optimistic about the passage of the bill after 11 Democrats in the House announced their support for PNTR with China Tuesday.
Republican leaders said they would hopefully deliver about 150 votes, and possibly more, in favor of the bill while California Representative Robert Matsui, the top Democratic vote-counter, said his goal of 70 to 80 Democratic supporters was finally within reach.
So far 68 Democrats have publicly announced their support for the trade bill. The House needs a support of 218 Congressmen to pass the Bill.
"We're going to win tomorrow. I am convinced we are on track for victory," said Dreier.
Clinton also sounded more optimistic Tuesday, saying, "I think we're going to make it."
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