Statement by Robert N. Burt,
Chairman, The Business Roundtable
Chairman and CEO, FMC Corporation
on
Senate Passage of China PNTR

The Senate vote on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China marks the successful end to a hard-fought battle and a promising beginning for America's workers, farmers and businesses. The President, the House and now the Senate have embraced a policy of engagement and opportunity over isolation and protectionism. This historic legislation will be remembered as the key that opened the door for America to sell its products and services to the world's largest emerging marketplace.

The bipartisan leadership shown by Majority and Minority Leaders Lott and Daschle along with Finance Committee Chairman Roth and Ranking Minority Member Moynihan was outstanding. The overwhelming vote in favor of China PNTR in the Senate and earlier in the House demonstrates that—even in an election year—Congress and the White House can work together on matters of vital importance to America's future.

The grassroots support for opening China's marketplace made the difference in this campaign. From The Business Roundtable's goTRADE organization, to the tens of thousands of workers, farmers and small businesses owners who called, wrote and e-mailed their congressional representatives, the message was clear—trade with China works for working Americans.

Statement by Philip M. Condit,
Chairman, BRT Trade & Investment Task Force
Chairman and CEO, The Boeing Company

The Senate’s approval of permanent normal trade relations with China opens the door to a brighter future for both nations. Increased trade between the United States and China will bring higher living standards to both sides of the Pacific. It will help engender greater cooperation and understanding – two key ingredients to making the world a safer, more prosperous place. We applaud the members of Congress who voted to take this historic step, as well as President Clinton and all the people on his team who worked so long and hard for PNTR. Congressional approval of PNTR will strengthen the U.S.-China relationship and the rules-based trading system so important to the economic future of all of us.

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