Allies Critique House Vote on China Trade

A broad coalition of groups concerned about human rights, workers' rights and the environment worked together against legislation, approved by the U.S. House, to grant China permanent Normal Trade Relations. Here are comments from leaders of some of these organizations.

"By accepting permanent normal trade relations, Congress has made it more difficult to protect the environment and human rights. Congress and the Clinton administration must do more to ensure global trade is clean, green and fair. This vote does not end the fight for global fairness. In fact, the coalition of environmental, labor and consumer groups has emerged from this fight stronger than ever with broader backing that now includes human rights groups, small business, faith-based organizations and veterans organizations."
          Carl Pope, Executive Director, Sierra Club

"Congress has sold out to corporate interests to help them rake in even bigger profits by giving China a blank check. When American businesses look to China, they see dollar signs. They ignore the misery brought by China's continued human rights violations and inhumane treatment of workers. Lawmakers have dealt Americans a sharp slap in the face."
          Joan Claybrook, President, Public Citizen

"Members of Congress who supported permanent, unconditional access for goods from China will rue this day as China's human rights conduct worsens, saber rattling against Taiwan intensifies and U.S. jobs are lost. The China trade vote was a case study of the corrosive effect money can have on the political process and will be a case study of the corrosive effect political betrayal can have on Election Day."
          Lori Wallach, Director, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch

"The China PNTR deal proves how U.S. trade policy has been captured by corporate polluters and fat cat campaign contributors. This agreement addresses tariffs for everything from golf carts to weasel tail hair, yet manages to completely ignore the air and water we depend upon for survival. Corporate interests spent millions so the environment could get shortchanged. But that won't stop us from fighting the David against Goliath battle to ensure trade agreements don't put the planet in jeopardy."
          Brent Blackwelder, President, Friends of the Earth