Levin's Proposal for China Trade Bill Gains Support, Presents Key Opportunity for Clinton Administration

Representative Sander M. Levin, a Michigan Democrat, is set to introduce a proposal for a commission that would review human rights, labor policies, and the development of the rule of law in China. This move is aimed at gaining support for the Clinton administration's top foreign policy goal, which is currently facing potential defeat in Congress. Levin's proposal, which has been test-marketed in Congress, could recruit enough fence-sitting Democrats to tip the balance in favor of the administration. The commission would study China issues and advise Congress and the White House on legislation or administrative steps, including U.S. policy on lending by the World Bank. This would keep pressure on Beijing to comply with its trade commitments and improve human rights.

Key Takeaways:

• The Levin proposal would establish a commission with nine members from each house of Congress, five presidential appointees, and a full-time staff to review human rights, labor policies, and the development of the rule of law in China.
• The commission would study China issues and advise Congress and the White House on legislation or administrative steps, including U.S. policy on lending by the World Bank.
• The proposal has attracted support from both Democrats and Republicans, with House vote counters estimating that it has helped recruit at least 15 Democratic yes votes.
• The Levin commission has been praised by Commerce Secretary William M. Daley and Representative Bill Archer, the Texas Republican who heads the Ways and Means Committee.
• The proposal is designed to resemble the Helsinki Commission, a joint commission of Congress and the White House set up in 1976 to monitor human rights in the Soviet bloc.
• House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt has his own plan for setting up an investigation and enforcement body for trade with China, but the Clinton administration has rejected any proposal with the power to mandate sanctions.

Statistics:

• The Linvin proposal has helped recruit at least 15 Democratic yes votes, representing a significant gain for the administration.
• The House could vote on the compromise Africa trade bill as early as Thursday, which could also impact votes on the China trade measure.
• The Clinton administration has announced plans to beef up the team employed to police compliance with trade accords, with special emphasis on China.
• The administration would ask for $22 million in extra spending for trade enforcement and export promotion.

Sources:

• "Levin Rungs Up Votes for China Trade Bill by Evangelina Reyes, The New York Times, 1994"
• "Commerce Secretary Praises Levin's Proposal for China Commission by Nina Darnton, The New York Times, 1994"
• "Representative Levin's Plan to Boost Clinton's Trade Bill" by Richard W. Stevenson, The New York Times, 1994
• "Gephardt's Plan for China Trade Enforcement Gains Little Support" by Nina Darnton, The New York Times, 1994