Saxby Chambliss: “the decision on whether or not we should grant normal trade status to China is always a difficult one. In 1995 and 1996…”

“the decision on whether or not we should grant normal trade status to China is always a difficult one. In 1995 and 1996, I supported renewing trade with China because there were indications that the Chinese were moving in the right direction toward a more open free society. However, abiding concerns about human rights, religious persecution, proliferation of advanced missile technology, and saber rattling toward Taiwan and China's other neighbors led me to vote against granting normal trade status to China during the last three years. This year, however, the debate over granting normal trade relations with China is different. We face a momentous decision about the future of jobs in the United States and specifically greater employment prospects for men and women living in Georgia's Eighth Congressional district. The administration negotiated a one way agreement with China that mandates significant reductions in tariffs as a part of China's entry into the World Trade Organization as well as includes import safeguards for sensitive industries like textiles. In 1998, Georgia exported over $338 million worth of goods and services to China. China has an estimated $750 billion in infrastructure needs over the next ten years. Companies and industries located here in middle and south Georgia are well positioned to take advantage of this auspicious opportunity.”