Joseph Knollenberg: “this is an historic day for the workers, business leaders, and reformers in China and the United States. Today Congress…”

“this is an historic day for the workers, business leaders, and reformers in China and the United States. Today Congress has the opportunity to push our relations forward by breaking down the walls surrounding China and supporting its entrance into the World Trade Organization. As we cast our votes today, I ask my colleagues to carefully consider the incredible potential this opportunity offers for the Chinese and American people. Passing PNTR supports freedom in China. As long as China's barriers to the United States remain, our relationship with the Chinese people will be restricted. By breaking down Chinese barriers to trade, while enhancing our own protections, we are creating new opportunities for American and Chinese people to work together and develop new ways to agree. Bringing China into the WTO will increase the exchange of cultures and ideas, which will in turn foster new areas of cooperation and progress. This is the most effective way to provide support for the reform-minded Chinese people who need our help the most. On their behalf, Congress should extend PNTR to China. Passing PNTR also supports the United States. Some Members may come to the floor today to claim the United States workforce and economy will suffer from greater competition with China. However, these Members are misinformed. To the contrary, the United States Trade Representative should be congratulated for her effective negotiations. This is a one-way deal.…”