William Helms: “inasmuch as I believe Senators ought to take a position on the very significant question of a most-favored-nation…”

“inasmuch as I believe Senators ought to take a position on the very significant question of a most-favored-nation designation of China by the United States, I, today, along with Senator Feingold, Senator Mack, and others, offer a resolution of disapproval of President Clinton's renewal of most-favored-nation treatment for China. Now then, if there is somehow a valid reason for the United States-- the world's leader in freedom--to offer the same trading terms to China that the United States offers to other nations that do honor their citizens' human rights and that do respect the rule of law, I cannot think of such a reason. None come to mind. Mr. President, this is President Clinton's fourth renewal of MFN status for China. The President has covered the waterfront on this issue. He has had his customary array of positions on MFN, as with countless other issues, and it is almost impossible to follow the President's ever-changing position without, as the saying goes, a printed program.”