Russ Feingold: “I rise today to support a joint resolution disapproving the extension of normal-trade-relations status to China. This is…”

“I rise today to support a joint resolution disapproving the extension of normal-trade-relations status to China. This is the fourth time that I have joined with other Senators to support such a resolution because I believe that trade policy is an effective tool that the United States can and should use with respect to the policies of the Chinese Government. I am pleased to join Senator Smith in supporting his resolution. On June 3, President Clinton announced his intention to extend the normal-trade-relations trading status to China. As I understand it, without actually affecting the practical application of tariff treatment, legislation last year replaced the term ``most-favored-nation'' in seven specific statutes with the new phrase ``normal trade relations.'' Regardless of which phrase you use, I find this policy unacceptable. Although we have expected the President to make such a decision, I can only say that under the current circumstances I am once again disappointed in the President's decision. In fact, I have objected to the President's policy since 1994, when he first de-linked the issue of human rights from our trading policy.”