Congressman Asa Hutchinson
Issues Statement on Decision to Extend Normal Trade Relations to
China
Applauds Legislation to
Create a Commission to Monitor Beijing=s Human Rights Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. C Congressman Asa Hutchinson today issued
this statement on his decision to vote next week for permanent normal trading
relations (PNTR) with China:
I will be voting in favor
of continuing normal trading relations with China without a specific annual
renewal vote by Congress. I have
reached this conclusion because there is no question that expanded trade
opportunities with China is good for Arkansas agriculture, business and job
creation. Clearly, trade creates
and preserves jobs for Arkansans in our state. It is also a significant benefit to
our farmers who are struggling day in and day out with falling prices.
However, this vote is about much more than
mere commerce. It is also about
the conscience of America.
In coming to my
conclusion, I had to consider how the actions of the United States
B specifically this vote B will affect those in China who seek more
religious and human freedoms; how this vote will affect the democracy
movement, and how it will affect the future actions of Beijing=s totalitarian government.
My conclusion is that trade
not only creates jobs in Arkansas, but it also is beneficial to fostering
freedom in China so long as it is combined with a persistent and clear voice
for freedom by those in leadership in the Congress and the administration. By
allowing our public officials to call for liberty, and by allowing the Chinese
people to interact with American businessmen and students and religious
leaders, I think we have the opportunity to provide the Chinese people with
hope and inspiration and even assistance in their struggle for freedom.
I have previously told
the Congressional leadership that I would not vote for PNTR without a special
commission being established to monitor China=s human rights records. This has now been agreed to and there
will be a Helsinki-type commission established that will exclusively focus on
China and will monitor import surges, human rights violations and the
development of the rule of law and democracy in China. This will give Congress additional
leverage than what has been achieved through the annual renewal debate on
trade.
####
