Ellen Tauscher: “This debate is what makes us different. It is exactly what should be happening in this great country of ours. America…”

“This debate is what makes us different. It is exactly what should be happening in this great country of ours. America should never base its decisions solely on the power of economics. I commend those Americans, particularly those Members of Congress, particularly my good friend, the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, for raising so many of the important issues related to extension of normal trade relations to China. So it is with some reluctance that I oppose this resolution and support extension of MFN to China. Secretary Madeleine Albright has stated, ``Engagement does not mean endorsement.'' I believe engagement does mean opportunity, opportunity to export our values and lifestyle, and an opportunity to promote a better and more secure world for our children and the children of China. I worked on Wall Street for 14 years before I left to raise my family. I recognize the opportunities economic integration can provide. I believe there is no greater opportunity or challenge in American foreign policy today than to secure China's integration into the international system as a fully responsible member, not just in economic terms, but in terms of human rights, the environment, weapons proliferation, intellectual property protection, and other issues. I believe we can better influence China's direction by exposing them to our Democratic ideals through engagement.”