Political Quotes

“whatever frustrations many of us may have right now regarding our bilateral relations with China, including allegations of Chinese espionage against our national labs, the deteriorating human rights situation in that country, the ballooning trade deficit, and more, we need to be careful about micro-managing the Executive as it conducts comprehensive negotiations over the terms of China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Congress' voice ought to be heard on this subject, and it will be. The Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 precludes granting unconditional MFN (permanent normal trade relations status) without a Congressional vote. By law, we will have the opportunity to carefully review and pass judgment on whatever agreement the Administration reaches with China, whenever that may occur: during Premier Zhu Rongji's visit next month, later this year, or perhaps years from now. Ambassador Barshefsky and the other USTR officials negotiating directly with the Chinese deserve credit for appropriately consulting with Congress. Just yesterday lead negotiator Bob Cassidy reviewed in great detail with our staffs all aspects of the negotiations. Active consultations at this stage make sense, but the Senate directly intervening in the process by requiring a congressional vote on a WTO agreement with China--on the front and back ends of the protocol negotiations--is redundant, unnecessary, and tramples on Executive branch prerogatives.”