[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E941-E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT (NORMAL TRADE 
           RELATIONS TREATMENT) TO PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
4444, the PNTR (Permanent Normal Trade Relations) for China Bill, which 
will open up new markets for our businesses here in the United States. 
This bill is about breaking down trade barriers abroad and expanding 
opportunities for American workers. This legislation recognizes the 
reality of today's global economy and equips our country with the tools 
necessary to maintain America's leadership throughout the world.
  International trade is critical to our nation's continued economic 
expansion. Over I I million jobs in the United States can be attributed 
to exports. The simple fact that 96% of the world's consumers live 
outside of our borders is irrefutable evidence that in order to grow 
our economy, we must grow our exports.
  In the WTO agreement, the U.S. has won unprecedented concessions from 
the Chinese that break down barriers to our goods, services, technology 
products, automobiles and financial services. Our farmers, who have 
been economically hurting, will be able to sell their agricultural 
products in China like never before. In Florida, our citrus and 
fertilizer industry will benefit immensely.

[[Page E942]]

  In terms of forcing changes in China, this is also a matter of 
national security. Once China is admitted into the WTO, they will be 
subject to the rule of law, which will be enforced by more than 130 
countries. As we enter the 21st Century, China is on the verge of 
expanding its regional dominance. I believe it is apparent that the 
world's most populous nation is simply too influential to ignore. Thus, 
I believe that our engagement, rather than disengagement, is essential. 
I think we have a better chance of encouraging reforms with more U.S. 
citizens bringing our culture, ideas, and freedoms to China rather than 
isolating them from the rest of the world.
  With regard to China's cross straits relations, the Taiwan question 
continues to heighten tensions in the region. Passage of PNTR would 
allow our country to continue to play a constructive role in diffusing 
that potentially destabilizing situation. Even Taiwan's leaders 
recognize the importance of passing PNTR and China's accession to the 
WTO. Recently, the newly elected President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, 
stated that, ``We would welcome the normalization of U.S.-China trade 
relations . . . We look forward to both the People's Republic of 
China's and Taiwan's accession to the WTO.''
  We must respect and address many of the opposing arguments. Opponents 
argue that we as a nation must send a strong message to China and in 
many respects I agree. Let there be no mistake about it, forcing China 
to comply with their commitments will not be an easy task. China must 
know that we will be vigilant in our efforts to combat human rights 
abuses, that we will not tolerate acts of aggression towards its 
neighbors. That is why I commend my colleagues Sandy Levin and Doug 
Bereuter for all their hard work crafting legislation that will enable 
our country to closely monitor China's human rights record and 
compliance with its WTO commitments.
  In addition, opponents of PNTR argue that only big business will 
benefit. I disagree. Today more than ever, U.S. businesses are 
functioning in a global economy, and thanks to the Information Age and 
the growth of e-commerce, even the smallest of America's businesses are 
engaging in and thriving from their interactions in international 
markets. In fact, a rapidly growing number of small and medium sized 
companies have already expanded their business to take advantage of the 
opportunities available in China's marketplace.
  In 1997, 82 percent of all U.S. exporters to China were small and 
medium sized businesses. That same year, in my home state of Florida, 
companies with less than 100 employees accounted for 52 percent of all 
businesses exporting from Florida to China. Furthermore, small and 
medium sized companies combined accounted for 67 percent of all firms 
exporting from Florida to China. These figures continue.
  China's business cannot begin to keep up with the rapidly growing 
demand of one-fifth of the world's population, leaving international 
companies an amazing economic opportunity should China open its trade 
gates. America's strong economy and its wealth of innovative and 
motivated small and medium sized businesses poises us to be a leader in 
meeting the product demand of the Chinese.
  The benefits of increased trade with China both for our nation and 
the State of Florida are tremendous. Unless we pass PNTR, our 
businesses and workers will be forced to sit on the sideline and watch 
our global competitors take advantage of the agreement we negotiated. 
The effect would be to exclude many of Florida's farmers, insurers, and 
manufacturers of microchips, chemicals, computers, and software who 
would benefit from this entirely new level of access. These industries 
employ thousands of Floridians and have the potential to employ 
thousands more, but only if we can continue our strong export growth.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize that increased global competition will put 
some industries at risk and that with the overwhelming number of 
winners there will be some losers. We will have to work hard to ensure 
every American worker can participate in our global economy.
  A vote against PNTR will not create a single new job in America, 
clean up the environment in China, release a single prisoner, nor 
improve the standard of living for Chinese workers. It will only signal 
a retreat from the global economy and a surrendering of our nation's 
leadership in the international arena.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is critical for the United States. 
Refusal to pass PNTR would put American workers at a disadvantage. 
Furthermore, this legislation represents our nation's commitment to 
remaining engaged, and a rededication to ensuring expanded economic 
opportunities for American workers.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on PNTR.

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