(19 May 2000) English/Nat
XFA
Supporters of permanent normal trade relations between the U-S and China are expressing increased confidence they'll win next week's scheduled vote in the House of Representatives.
Four more previously undecided lawmakers now say they'll back the controversial trade bill.
Proponents of the China trade deal also came out for side legislation they want to include in the bill.
It would establish a commission to monitor human rights in China and help protect U-S companies from a surge in imports from China.
Both supporters and opponents of the landmark China trade bill have stepped up their campaigns in advance of next week's vote.
Supporters of the deal already had an edge and on Friday they welcomed a new Chinese-European trade pact that will help strengthen their already strong hand.
At a news conference, House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier predicted an intense weekend of lobbying directed at the dwindling number of undecideds.
He and other China-trade supporters released details of accompanying legislation they intend to incorporate in the bill.
One measure would be setting up a commission to monitor human rights in China.
Another would help protect U-S companies from surges in Chinese imports.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I am very confident that with this package that we've now put together and the agreement that was just struck this morning between China and the European Union, that we will be able to have the votes necessary for a strong victory, and this is going to be a win-win all the way around."
SUPER CAPTION: David Dreier, Representative (Republican), California
The side agreements were designed to make the bill more palatable to those concerned about China's labour practices and human rights policies.
Four House members, including three Democrats, announced they were switching their positions from undecided to supporting.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Closing the door to China will not improve human rights in China, but rather will be a big step back, not just into the last century but several hundreds of years in the past."
SUPER CAPTION: Diana DeGette, Representative (Democrat), Colorado
One stressed the importance of influencing China's human rights conditions and labour practices.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"In the end, I think we recognise here that we have an opportunity and an obligation to undertake the regressing of unsatisfactory labour practices and working conditions and human rights conditions in China, and in so doing, recognise that high standards in human rights and workplace conditions are necessary for honest and fair trade."
SUPER CAPTION: Thomas Sawyer, Representative (Democrat), Ohio
But a short while later, opponents of the China trade bill announced three new converts to the "no" column.
House Minority Whip David Bonior told reporters American jobs and capital will be lost to China if a permanent trade deal is passed.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The China trade deal won't help us export American products, only American jobs. We need a trade policy that puts working families first, here and in China. That's not what this agreement does, and that's why every American in this country has a stake in stopping it."
SUPER CAPTION: David Bonior, House of Representative Minority Whip
Debate on the legislation is expected to begin in the House on Wednesday.
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