President Clinton's Week: China Trade Bill, Digital Divide Tour, and Corporate Diversity Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

President Clinton's schedule for the week was filled with various events and announcements on topics such as China trade, digital divide, corporate diversity, and healthcare. On Monday, April 3, Clinton emphasized the importance of China's entry into the World Trade Organization and Congress passing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China. He also announced that nearly 200 high-technology firms and 40 governors had signed letters urging members of Congress to support PNTR with China.

The president's digital divide tour was also a significant focus during the week. On April 4, Clinton kicked off his New Markets tour, which aimed to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas by providing access to high-speed, broadband networks. The tour began in Silicon Valley, California, and was expected to stop in various locations, including Shiprock, New Mexico, and Chicago. Clinton stated that the digital divide was a pressing issue that needed to be addressed, and he urged Congress to invest in initiatives that would promote digital inclusion.

On Wednesday, April 5, Clinton participated in the White House Conference on the New Economy, which highlighted the importance of diversity and innovation in the corporate sector. The president issued a "One America" call to action for corporate diversity, challenging businesses to increase diversity in their workforce and promote employment equity. He also announced that 25 leading companies had pledged at least $1 million annually for 10 years to expand diversity in the high-tech workforce.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton emphasized the importance of China's entry into the World Trade Organization and Congress passing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China.
  • Clinton's digital divide tour aimed to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas by providing access to high-speed, broadband networks.
  • The tour began in Silicon Valley, California, and was expected to stop in various locations, including Chicago.
  • Clinton issued a "One America" call to action for corporate diversity, challenging businesses to increase diversity in their workforce and promote employment equity.
  • 25 leading companies pledged at least $1 million annually for 10 years to expand diversity in the high-tech workforce.

Statistics:

  • 1.2 billion: China's current population.
  • 9 million: The number of Internet addresses in China in one year.
  • 200: The number of high-technology firms that signed letters urging members of Congress to support PNTR with China.
  • 40: The number of governors that signed letters urging members of Congress to support PNTR with China.
  • 10 years: The duration of the pledge made by 25 leading companies to expand diversity in the high-tech workforce.
  • 80,000: The expected number of information technology professionals attending the Comdex/Spring 2000 conference in Chicago.
  • $1,000: The price of attendance at a fund-raising reception for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
  • $20,000: The price of attendance at a fund-raising reception for the Democratic National Committee.

Sources:

  • Monday, April 3: Clinton Pushes China Trade Bill At DLC Event In California (KING PUBLISHING GROUP)
  • Tuesday, April 4: Clinton Addresses AFL-CIO Group's Conference; Meets With Yemeni President; Kicks Off U.S. Digital Divide Tour (KING PUBLISHING GROUP)
  • Wednesday, April 5: Clinton Participates In White House Summit On The New Economy (KING PUBLISHING GROUP)
  • Thursday, April 6: Clinton Issues 'Call To Action' For Corporate Diversity; Delivers Remarks At Radio & TV Correspondents' Dinner (KING PUBLISHING GROUP)
  • Friday, April 7: Clinton Meets With HK's Chief Executive; Signs Senior Citizens' Freedom To Work Act; Urges Congress To Pass Family Planning FY 2001 Budget Initiatives (KING PUBLISHING GROUP)