Cord Byrd: “today the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission issued its second major annual report to the Congress, as…”

“today the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission issued its second major annual report to the Congress, as mandated by the Congress in its enabling statute, P.L. 106-398, October 30, 2000, as amended by Division P of P.L. 108-7 February 20, 2003. I commend it to my colleagues as a comprehensive, insightful and useful examination of the key trends, policies and realities inherent in the U.S./China relationship, and featuring a number of recommendations for the Congress to consider. It is noteworthy that the Commission adopted this report by a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 11-0. The commission is composed of an equal number of Democratic and Republican appointees, three each by the four leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is refreshing, indeed, in an era characterized by far too much partisanship and divisiveness, that in its treatment of the often contentious and important issues regarding this growing bilateral relationship, the Commission could reach a unanimous vote. Debates over foreign policy, it has often been said, to be effective, should end at the water's edge, and we should speak as a Nation with one voice to the world. Mr. President, in this report, bipartisan unanimity has been achieved, and by a very diverse group of thoughtful and independent minded Commissioners.…”