Arlington, VA -- The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) today asked Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott to keep in mind the comments he made regarding permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China in February and hold a vote on China trade legislation immediately.

"In February, Majority Leader Lott made it extremely clear that PNTR with China was a top agenda item in the U.S. Senate. It is our hope that the Leader will stand by that position and move this legislation forward as soon as possible and as cleanly as possible," said EIA President Dave McCurdy.

"Trade with China is extremely important to our nation's high tech and electronic industries," continued McCurdy. "This is the most important trade legislation of the decade."

Earlier this week, Majority Leader Lott stated that passing appropriations bills remains the Senate's top priority before turning to legislation granting PNTR status to China, prompting EIA to reiterate its strong support for swift Senate PNTR passage. In February, EIA strongly praised Lott for making PNTR with China a top agenda item.

"While last month's bipartisan victory in the House sent a strong signal that trade with China is a winning proposition, it's imperative that we keep up our intensity to assure speedy passage in the Senate," McCurdy concluded.

EIA has reached out to Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle to offer assistance with bill passage.

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies committed to shared knowledge and shared influence. Comprised of more than 2,100 members that provide two million jobs for American workers, EIA represents 80 percent of the $550 billion U.S. electronics industry. EIA's sector associations and members represent consumer electronics, telecommunications, components, government electronics, semiconductor standards, as well as many other vital areas of the U.S. electronics industry.