Joe Cunningham: “China is a rogue nation, ruled by totalitarians and Communists. It oppresses its people, and denies them basic freedoms…”

“China is a rogue nation, ruled by totalitarians and Communists. It oppresses its people, and denies them basic freedoms and religious liberty. It fails to abide by standards of good citizenship in the community of nations. Its officials have been tied with attempts to influence the 1996 elections in the United States through contributions to the Democratic National Committee. In this environment, now Congress must decide whether continuing or essentially canceling regular American commerce with China will advance or damage America's national interests. These interests include national security, human rights and religious liberty, and commerce and American jobs. I take a back seat to no one as a defender of liberty, and as an opponent of communism and tyranny. I understand that this issue generates well-considered and strongly held opinions on all sides. I believe that the Clinton administration has badly mishandled our relationship with China, and that Congress has no choice but to fill the vacuum of leadership left by the President. With very few measures have I so deeply struggled with determining the best course of action, and with identifying what is right and wrong for America.”