Lee Metcalf: “today I will cast one of the most difficult votes during my tenure in Congress when I vote to grant most-favored-nation…”

“today I will cast one of the most difficult votes during my tenure in Congress when I vote to grant most-favored-nation status to China. "Most-favored-nation status" is a misnomer, the vote is actually whether or not to continue a normal trading relationship with China. There are many reasons to deny even a normal trading relationship with China. The lack of respect for the sanctity of human life, the lack of free speech or assembly, and the targeting and persecution of Christians are all good reasons to deny a normal trading status. But there is another side. To stop trade with China will further isolate and remove any pressure the United States has to improve their system. The vote on a normal trading status with China is a decision that will dictate how the United States chooses to support and help bring the citizens of China out of the oppressive world they are born into and show them the light of democracy. It is a decision that will affect the stability of Asia for the foreseeable future. This decision is a choice between supporting the economic miracles in Taiwan and Hong Kong or walk away from the situation entirely. It is a decision to protect American jobs in Puget Sound or threaten their very existence. I will cast my vote in favor of a normal trade relationship with China for many reasons including the ones detailed below.”