TEXT: GEPHARDT STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CHINA WTO BILL
(China's entry into the WTO must have Congress' support)

Washington -- Congress should be able to vote before the United States can support China's bid to become a member of the World Trade Organization, according to House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (Democrat of Missouri).

Speaking in favor of a bill that would require congressional approval of U.S. support for China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) March 20, Gephardt said: "This bill doesn't prejudge whether or not China should become a member, it simply says: China's entry into the WTO must have Congress' support."

"Clearly," Gephardt said, "China's entry into the WTO can provide enormous benefits to the U.S. by subjecting China to international rules and enforcement. But the question is: what exactly will China agree to? China has had a sweetheart deal up until this point. They aren't interested in giving that up. China wants to be able to maintain its protectionist policies for as long as possible. Our people want access and fair trade now."

Following is the text of Gephardt's statement:

(begin text)

NEWS FROM THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER

For Immediate Release Congressman Richard A. Gephardt
Thursday, March 20, 1997 H-204, U.S. Capitol

Gephardt Joins with House Members in Introducing Legislation
Requiring Congressional Vote on China's Entry
into the World Trade Organization

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt joined with Representatives Pelosi and Bonior at a press conference today to announce the introduction of legislation to require a Congressional vote prior to the United States supporting China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO):

"We're here today to announce the introduction of legislation to require a Congressional vote before the United States can support China's bid to become a member of the World Trade Organization. This bill doesn't prejudge whether or not China should become a member, it simply says: China's entry into the WTO must have Congress' support.

"Under the Constitution, Congress is vested with the authority over international commerce. China's protocol of accession has enormous repercussions for the U.S. and world economy. Congress must not abdicate its Constitutional duty to review this issue.

"Just this morning the Department of Commerce released trade data for January. Our overall trade deficit reached a new record -- on an annual basis, it's running at a more than $200 billion rate for this year. Our trade deficit with China was $3.7 billion, up 41% from December. Our imports from China were up 18% while exports to China were down 28 percent. While China enjoys virtually unfettered access to our market, our farmers, workers, and businesses see their products and services often blocked from entering the Chinese market.

"Clearly, China's entry into the WTO can provide enormous benefits to the U.S. by subjecting China to international rules and enforcement. But the question is: what exactly will China agree to? China has had a sweetheart deal up until this point. They aren't interested in giving that up. China wants to be able to maintain its protectionist policies for as long as possible. Our people want access and fair trade now.

"I also believe that Congress can help ensure that we get the best deal possible by becoming a real partner in negotiations with the Administration. It's important for China to understand the seriousness with which we view this issue.

"Let's also understand that this isn't simply about process. it's about jobs. The deal that China gets must be in our best interests. Congress should have a role and a say on that matter."

Cosponsors of H.R. 1140, a Bill by House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt to Require Congressional Approval Before China Can Enter the WTO

Nancy Pelosi
David Bonior
Gerald Solomon
Robert Borski
Sherrod Brown
Benjamin Cardin
Peter De Fazio
Lane Evans
Barney Frank
Sam Gejdenson
Luis Gutierrez
Maurice Hinchey
Duncan Hunter
Marcy Kaptur
Ron Klink
Dennis Kucinich
Tom Lantos
Sander Levin
William Lipinski
Carrie Meek
George Miller
Eleanor Holmes Norton
David Obey
Donald Payne
John Peterson
Lynn Rivers
Dana Rohrabacher
Bernard Sanders
Joe Scarborough
Christopher Smith
Pete Stark
Cliff Stearns
Karen Thurman
John Tierney
Esteban Torres
J.C. Watts
Frank Wolf

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