Bob Kerrey: “I support this bill not only because it is in the best interest of American farmers, businesses, and consumers; but also…”

“I support this bill not only because it is in the best interest of American farmers, businesses, and consumers; but also because passage of PNTR is the best way for America to have a positive influence on China's domestic policies, including policies affecting basic human rights. I believe that this bill has been characterized by many of my esteemed colleagues as something that it is not--a reward to China despite its poor human rights record. Surely, we do not agree with the treatment of China's citizens, just as surely as we do not agree with so many other practices of the Chinese government. However, it is important to remember that China will become a member of the WTO no matter how we vote. If the Congress were to vote against Permanent Normal Trade Relations, many of our trading partners will receive the myriad benefits of trading with China, while our farmers, our businesses, . . . our citizens would be excluded. Furthermore, the interest we have in promoting human rights protection in China is not defeated with the passing of this bill.”