Clinton Administration Increases Pressure on Congress to Pass China Trade Measure

Strategic Insights -

The Clinton administration, facing an uphill battle to pass a decisive China trade measure, is shifting its focus to national security arguments to sway undecided lawmakers. President Clinton and his top aides are emphasizing the importance of elevating trade ties with China as a matter of global leadership and the fate of Chinese reformers. With the House vote scheduled for later this month, the administration is under pressure to secure the necessary votes to pass the measure. Despite opposition from labor unions and other groups, administration officials argue that the trade agreement is a bonanza for American businesses and requires significant concessions from China's Communist Party-controlled bureaucracy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration is focusing on national security arguments to persuade undecided lawmakers to vote in favor of granting China permanent normal trade relations.
  • President Clinton has allotted a large block of his schedule to lobby members of Congress, and the White House is considering inviting former presidents and cabinet secretaries to the White House to highlight bipartisan support for the measure.
  • Labor unions, along with religious, consumer, and environmental groups, are aggressively lobbying Democrats to vote against the trade agreement, arguing that it will lead to the loss of American jobs and undermine labor standards in China.
  • The administration estimates that it is still approximately 10 votes shy of the 218 votes needed for majority approval in the House.
  • Representatives Bill Archer and Sander Levin have proposed parallel legislation to the trade bill, including the creation of an executive body to monitor China's compliance with international labor and human rights standards.
  • Administration officials warn that failure to pass the trade agreement would have severe consequences for the United States, including a downward spiral in bilateral ties and a failure to shape China's future.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 10 votes are needed to secure majority approval in the House.
  • About two-thirds of House Democrats are expected to vote against the trade agreement.
  • The Clinton administration is relying more heavily on national security arguments to sway undecided lawmakers.
  • The White House is considering inviting former presidents and cabinet secretaries to the White House to highlight bipartisan support for the measure.
  • The trade agreement would allow American businesses to benefit fully from a market-opening trade agreement and would grant China the new trade status, paving the way for China to join the World Trade Organization.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Clinton and Aides Press Congress to Pass China Trade Measure" by Katharine Q. Seelye and Steven R. Weisman. No date provided.
  • The New York Times, "Clinton to Visit Farm to Press Case on China Trade" by Katharine Q. Seelye and Steven R. Weisman. No date provided.
  • The New York Times, " Berger Warns of Consequences of Rejecting Trade Agreement" by Katharine Q. Seelye and Steven R. Weisman. No date provided.