Joseph Knollenberg: “later this month, Members of the House will be casting their votes on one of the most important trade issues that we…”

“later this month, Members of the House will be casting their votes on one of the most important trade issues that we have faced in recent years. I am referring, of course, to extend permanent normal trade relations to China. The United States and the international community have been working together with China for decades to bring China into the WTO. For the first time in history, the doors of China's economy will be opened up to international commerce and competition. Congress will be faced with a simple choice then. If Congress passes PNTR, we will allow U.S. companies to freely participate in the nearly $4 billion Chinese economy. However, if we do not pass PNTR, American products and American workers will be denied this opportunity. Faced with these options, I think the choice is clear. I urge my colleagues to avoid the temptation to give in to the protectionist forces inside our country and instead support free trade and progress in China.”