Doris Matsui: “Mr. Speaker, this MFN status, as it is called, is nothing more than according normal trading status to China to…”

“Mr. Speaker, this MFN status, as it is called, is nothing more than according normal trading status to China to facilitate commerce between the two nations. It is in no way preferential to China. MFN keeps tariffs from skyrocketing, and it retains a working relationship between our two countries. However, some Members of Congress want to take MFN status away from China, citing human rights violations as an excuse to deny them the equal trading status that we provide most countries in the world. I understand these Members' concerns and want to see improvements in China's human rights record myself. However, only through continuous engagement in dialogue will we have an opportunity to effect change. It is important to note, however, that from 1990 to 1996, United States exports to China rose by 90 percent, the fastest growing rate of any major export market. This has been a direct benefit to southern California, given its recovery from a recession. One quarter of all cargo entering the United States comes from China. I urge my colleagues to support MFN and to reject this resolution.”