John Mica: “I am here this morning with three empty chairs, and I would like to talk about the President's visit to China. Not since…”

“I am here this morning with three empty chairs, and I would like to talk about the President's visit to China. Not since Genghis Kahn led hordes of warriors across the Asian plains has China been invaded by a larger political entourage than President Clinton leads this week. Accompanying him, at taxpayer expense, will be hordes of aides, staff, military, press, and spinmasters. It is reported that more than 1,200 individuals will accompany the President, and fleets of jumbo jets will transport scores of personnel and equipment across the Pacific. More than six limousines and dozens of vehicles will be shipped to China to add comfort and security for the President's entourage. But what will not be a part of the President's China visit, Mr. Speaker, are three journalists, three U.S. journalists. I have them symbolized by these three empty chairs up here at the well this morning. Three empty chairs. Three journalists from Radio Free Asia will not be going to China. There will be three empty seats. Three journalists from Radio Free China will have had their visas denied and revoked by Chinese officials just within the last few hours. It is an outrage on the eve of our President's visit that legitimate journalists covering this visit will be barred from reporting this event for Radio Free China.”