Statement by Robert N. Burt
Chairman, The
Business Roundtable
Chairman & CEO, FMC
Corporation
"America has won a tremendous victory today. As a result of
this historic vote, our workers, farmers, consumers, and
companies can look forward to more economic opportunity and a
more secure world. Congress and the President should be
commended for their leadership in what was an emotional and
hard-fought vote.
The American business community is proud of its role in
educating the American people and their elected
representatives to the benefits of free trade and normal trade
relations for China. This vote shows that the business
community learned a lesson from past trade votes. We mounted
early, aggressive and effective grassroots efforts in local
communities across America, to get out the message of why
trade works for working Americans. We listened, we learned,
and we launched an early local effort. The results will be
measurable and long lasting.
America will now be able to reach the world’s largest
emerging market with the best of what America has to offer.
That means exporting not only our goods and services, but our
democratic values as well. That’s a winning
combination."
Statement by Philip M. Condit
Chairman, The
Business Roundtable Trade Task Force
Chairman & CEO,
The Boeing Company
"Today’s vote by members of the House to establish
‘permanent normal trade relations’ with China is a remarkable
achievement that we hope the Senate will replicate in the days
ahead. PNTR will help ensure economic growth and prosperity
for both of our nations. It will help pave the way for China
to join the World Trade Organization and in so doing
strengthen the rules-based, global trading system so essential
to the future of all of us. It also will stabilize the
U.S.-China relationship in ways that will create a solid
foundation for resolving other important issues. The
Administration and members of the House from both sides of the
aisle deserve high praise for this truly historic
accomplishment."
May 24, 2000