[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 25140]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             SUPPORT FOR CHINA COMMISSION INCREASED FUNDING

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to speak to the Commerce, 
State and Justice Appropriations Conference report's recommendation 
which provides $500,000 for the congressional-executive commission on 
China. This noteworthy commission was established in Title III of the 
China/PNTR bill, which the Senate passed with a strong majority and the 
President signed into law just two weeks ago.
  It is my understanding that the Commission would normally require a 
funding level of at least $1.3 million. However, this year the 
conferees allocated a lesser amount based on the fact that the 
Commission will operate for less than a full year in FY2001.
  Without a doubt, we should fully support the Commission at its 
requested level of $1.3 million in FY2002 and subsequent years once 
members have been appointed, staff hired and the operation is fully 
functional for an entire fiscal year. While the initial request of 
$500,000 is sufficient for the start-up operation of the Commission, it 
falls far short of the amount required by its enabling legislation and 
our congressional intent.
  Passage of PNTR for China is one of the most significant pieces of 
legislation this Congress has passed in this decade. The Commission 
will play an essential role in the oversight of its implementation and 
China's adherence to its international obligations.
  Again, Mr. President, I support funding accorded by the CJS 
Appropriations bill for FY2001 and will further support increased 
funding of at least $1.3 million in the next and following fiscal 
years.

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