Greg Ganske: “I am going to talk tonight about the vote that the House is going to make next week on extending permanent normal trade…”

“I am going to talk tonight about the vote that the House is going to make next week on extending permanent normal trade relations to China. Capitol Hill is abuzz about this vote which we are going to make next week. It seems that everyone and their uncle has been lobbying on this issue. Goldie Hawn, the actress, has been wandering the halls of Congress. She is against; while Jesse Ventura was in the East Room of the White House. He is for. In my opinion, Mr. Speaker, this vote will be the most important trade vote in a long, long time, and undoubtedly, the most important agriculture vote this year. President Clinton said last week, "If the Congress votes against it, meaning permanent normal trade relations, they will be kicking themselves in the rear 10 years from now because America will be paying the price." The President suggested that lawmakers who oppose the measure are focusing on politics rather than its merits. The President said, "Virtually 100 percent of the people at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue," meaning Capitol Hill, "know it is the right decision." Well, Mr. Speaker, our country has benefitted greatly from the growing international marketplace and American efforts to reduce tariffs and trade barriers.”