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   (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

   Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, later this month, Members of this House will be casting their votes on one of the most important issues that Congress has faced in recent years. Of course, this is a vote to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations to China.

   As a result of decades of negotiations, China will soon become a member of the World Trade Organization. Congress now has the responsibility to extend PNTR to China in order for American workers and businesses to take advantage of this historic opportunity.

   For those Members, like myself, who have concerns about national security with China, human rights, Taiwan and other issues, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. PNTR represents the greatest opportunity that America has had to break down the walls of isolation in China and provide the Chinese people with the tools they need to pursue freedom and democracy.

   By increasing the exchange of goods, services, and ideas between the United States and China, we will be taking strides to support reform for those who need our support the most.

END