Bob Wise: “I will put my record on the line for standing up for America's workers against anybody in here. I voted against NAFTA…”

“I will put my record on the line for standing up for America's workers against anybody in here. I voted against NAFTA because I thought it was a bad deal. I voted against the GATT treaty because I thought that the World Trade Organization presented too many problems and not enough benefits. But I rise today to support continuing most-favored-nation status for China, but, an important but, while at the same time guaranteeing stricter congressional monitoring. Yes, I am aware of the problems that China presents. Nuclear proliferation, arms sales to hostile nations, military incursions, including spurious claims on the Spratly Islands and other areas of the Asian continent, human rights violations, unfair trade practices, whether in intellectual property or in other areas such as child labor. Yes, I am aware of all of these, but I notice something very basic, that we have to remember also what most-favored-nation status connotes. It is not some kind of glorified treatment, it is not some kind of special privilege, it is simply saying to China as we have said to 100, at least, other nations around the world, of all stripes and colors, you only get a seat at the table. It does not guarantee you what you get, it just gets you in the door. We have to remember this, that the United States, even by giving most-favored-nation status, does not give up its most basic punitive measures.”