Frank Pallone: “on January 12 of this year, the Clinton administration issued a statement certifying that China had provided clear and…”

“on January 12 of this year, the Clinton administration issued a statement certifying that China had provided clear and unequivocal assurances to the United States that it is not assisting and will not assist any nonnuclear weapons State either directly or indirectly in acquiring nuclear explosive devices or the material components of such devices. This is the first time in 12 years that a U.S. President has granted such a certification. I am greatly disturbed by this statement. As many Members of this body are aware, China is a major supplier of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear and missile technology. We have less than 30 days to take action and either reject or accept the certification. Mr. Speaker, when the United States and China had signed an accord in 1985 to allow American firms to export nuclear technology to China, Members of Congress were concerned over China's sales of nuclear weapons technology to third countries. In response, Congress quickly passed legislation that required the President to first certify that China has not sold or transferred nuclear technology to countries that are not subject to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. In granting this certification, the Clinton administration has chosen to overlook China's recent transfer of nuclear technology to unregulated nuclear facilities in Pakistan and Iran.”