[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT (NORMAL TRADE 
           RELATIONS TREATMENT) TO PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

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                               speech of

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my support for H.R. 4444, 
a bill to extend normal trade relations to the People's Republic of 
China. As you know, the congressional district I represent is located 
in Northwest Iowa. It is one of the most productive agriculture areas 
in the country and I am very proud of the fact that we export out 
products all around the world.
  We are in the process of debating probably the most important issue 
facing this Congress this session. This is a debate that challenges us 
to engage the international marketplace, or to hide behind our borders.
  I believe that trade is an integral part of our foreign policy. The 
more our two nations interact in the marketplace, the greater potential 
there is for our two peoples to communicate on other issues that will 
foster democracy and promote values that honor and respect the basic 
freedoms that we take for granted here in the United States.
  In addition, China's $1.2 billion people represent a huge market for 
American agriculture and manufactured goods and services. Already, 
China is the sixth-largest market in the world for American 
agricultural products. The USDA projects that China will account for 
over one-third of the growth in U.S. agricultural exports over the next 
decade.
  It is my opinion, and those of many of my constituents, that Iowa is 
better off with a Chinese market economy that plays by WTO rules and is 
subject to a binding WTO dispute settlement process.
  We need to work with the Chinese to end export subsides and quotas 
that harm Iowa farmers and those throughout the country. Under the WTO 
agreement, China will lower its tariffs on beef, and pork by 2004. 
Furthermore, these tariff reductions will enable Iowa's corn growers 
and over 18,000 hog producers greater access to this important market.
  In the end, this debate is not about how much product we sell to 
China. it is about how we interact with the global community and how we 
shape the future. Trade will no doubt help both our great countries 
prosper, but in the end it will have a much more profound effect by 
forging a relationship that will ensure cooperation and open up Chinese 
society to new ideas. That is an investment worth making.




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