Washington, D.C. -  US Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield Hills) today voted in support of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for China. This legislation will open up vast new opportunities in China which will benefit American consumers, workers, farmers, companies and advance religious freedoms through engagement.   The bill, H.R. 4444, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 237 to 197.

"Normal trade relations for China will create thousands of good jobs for Michigan workers in services, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.  America's high-tech industry and farmers will have access to an enormous new market," said Rep. Knollenberg.  "PNTR will open up China's markets for American products and it's great for Michigan workers, businesses and farmers.  More exports mean more good jobs for Americans, while ensuring China play by the same trade rules that America and other countries already follow."

China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) will slash barriers to the sale of American goods and services in the world's most populous country, giving U.S. companies access to a market of over one billion people.  In addition, agriculture tariffs will be cut by more than half on priority U.S. agricultural products.  Soybeans and products, feed grains, fruits and vegetables are key products that are important to Michigan, and expected to reap some of the largest agricultural export gains from China’s accession to the WTO.

"Normal trade relations will result in further democratization, freedom and human rights. It is a crucial tool in undermining tyranny and increasing religious freedoms for the 1.3 billion people of China," said Rep. Knollenberg.  "PNTR will bring China into the world order, not only in terms of trade, but also politically and legally, and this is the net gain, not only for the U.S. but for the entire globe.  Congress should embrace trade with China, and the competition it brings, because this will lead to a higher standard of living for the people of the United States as well as the people of China.  That is how we make progress,” Knollenberg concluded.