Political Quotes

“Congress takes an historic step today in considering legislation to grant normal trade relations to China. We do this to position our workers, firms, and farmers to take maximum advantage of the vast opportunities offered as a result of China's decision to join the WTO. Just as importantly, we do this to reinforce the reformers in China who look in our direction and at our success, as they attempt to move the Chinese economy out from under the iron grip of Communism and stranglehold of state control. China's decision to adopt the WTO system of fair trade rules is a choice to impose the discipline of market-based principles throughout a vast country of 1.2 billion people. In my estimation, the revolutionary change WTO rules will bring to the Chinese economy dwarfs any other avenue of influence available to the U.S. The trade agreement with China and this vote to normalize trade relations between our two countries have been hard fought and long awaited. For fourteen years, through Democrat and Republican Administrations, this body insisted that we would not take an empty trade deal with China. At last we have succeeded in obtaining a great win for Americans. In addition to the commercial benefits, this bill turns our relationship with China in a positive direction. By reinforcing the efforts of Chinese citizens fighting for change, we magnify our chances of maintaining peace, stability and security in Asia.”