OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Executive Office of the President

Washington, D.C.

20508

USTR Press Releases are available on the USTR web site at http://www.ustr.gov/

For Immediate Release Contact: Brendan Daly

May 24, 2000 Amy Stilwell

Todd Glass

(202) 395-3230

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky today issued the following statement regarding the 237-197 vote by the House of Representatives to approve Permanent Normal Trade Relations for China:

"This has been a vigorous debate, but in the end, the House voted to advance the economic interests of the United States and to seize the best opportunity in 20 years to help promote reform in China and better ensure stability in Asia. American workers, businesses and farmers are now one step closer to taking full advantage of the benefits of this historic agreement with China.

"Trade votes remain difficult, but this vote demonstrates that if there is a strong economic agreement and broader national interests at stake, it is possible -- even on an issue as contentious as China -- to secure support for trade in the Congress.

"The President's personal involvement and commitment to this trade bill was crucial to today's vote, as was the leadership of Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, along with White House aides Steve Ricchetti and Chuck Brain and the entire Administration. We have consulted closely with the Senate in recent months, and tomorrow morning we will turn our full attention there."