James M. Jeffords: “we have had an invigorating debate on a very important and complex issue--whether to grant permanent normal trade…”

“we have had an invigorating debate on a very important and complex issue--whether to grant permanent normal trade relations, PNTR, status to China. There are many aspects to this debate: expansion and regulation of the international trading system; realignment of the US position within that system; review of China's internal policies--in particular its human rights record; assessment of the prospect for constructive and systemic change in China; and the effect of PNTR upon U.S. businesses and consumers. As many of my colleagues may remember, 2 months ago in the Finance Committee I cast the sole vote in opposition to granting PNTR to China. Although I believe in engagement with China, not isolating China, I felt strongly that I could not in good conscience vote to make this status permanent at that time. I told my colleagues about Ngawang Choephel, a Fulbright student from Middlebury College in Vermont, who was arrested by Chinese authorities while filming traditional song and dance in Tibet in 1995.”