Cord Byrd: “Voting in support of this amendment sends a message that the U.S. Senate seeks transparency to China's likely accession…”

“Voting in support of this amendment sends a message that the U.S. Senate seeks transparency to China's likely accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). It sends a message that the Senate is prepared to ``stand up'' for U.S. industries, such as iron and steel, coal mining, and petroleum, as well as U.S. agriculture producers, such as the apple industry, and the beef industry. A vote in support of this amendment places members on record that they demand China's compliance with the promises that China has made under the bilateral trade agreement that it signed with the United States. This amendment is simple and straightforward. There is no hidden poison pill! There is no trick procedure! There is no so-called catch twenty-two to this amendment! It does not impede the possible benefits of China's accession to the WTO that many of my colleagues are hoping for. My amendment would require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to obtain a commitment by the People's Republic of China to disclose information relating to China's plans to comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) subsidy obligations.”