Rangel's Shift on China Trade Bill Fuels Lobbying Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Representative Charles B. Rangel's leaning in favor of a decisive China trade bill has significantly increased the stakes for both proponents and opponents as next week's scheduled vote approaches. The influential senior House Democrat from New York has challenged several of the opponents' main arguments, citing concerns over the lack of leverage in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the need for labor's enthusiastic support for Democrats in the November elections. This shift has intensified the lobbying efforts, with the Clinton administration, labor leaders, and business groups escalating their campaigns to sway undecided lawmakers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Representative Charles B. Rangel, the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, has expressed support for the China trade bill, which would grant permanent normal trading privileges to China.
  • Rangel challenged opponents' arguments, including the idea that labor should prioritize human rights in China over domestic issues.
  • Labor leaders and the Clinton administration have heavily courted Rangel, who may influence the votes of at least two other members of the Congressional Black Caucus: Gregory W. Meeks of New York and Eva M. Clayton of North Carolina.
  • Rangel's vote is seen as crucial, as his influence could sway the Committee's stance and potentially affect labor's support for Democrats in the November elections.
  • The Clinton administration's efforts to convince lawmakers that it can regulate trade with China have been boosted by the United States International Trade Commission's ruling to impose punitive anti-dumping duties on apple juice concentrate imports from China.
  • The White House will hold individual meetings with undecided lawmakers to step up its campaign, which has involved President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Cabinet members.
  • Labor leaders, state governors, and business groups are intensifying their lobbying efforts, with organized labor delivering personal appeals to undecided lawmakers and business groups launching a new radio campaign.

Statistics:

  • The United States International Trade Commission voted 5-0 to impose a 52% duty on Chinese apple juice concentrate imports.
  • The Clinton administration has estimated that China is selling apple juice concentrate in the American market for about half of what it costs to produce.
  • Around 25 to 30 lawmakers are expected to be met individually by President Clinton this week.
  • The White House campaign has involved President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Cabinet members.
  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will launch a new radio campaign targeting 10 undecided and opposed lawmakers.
  • Apple juice concentrate imports from China have been valued as part of the broader China trade issues.

Sources:

  • "Rangel's Shift on China Trade Bill Fuels Lobbying Efforts". The New York Times.
  • "White House Lobbying Campaign Begins in Earnest". Reuters.
  • "U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Launch Radio Campaign on China Trade Bill". The Washington Post.
  • "House Vote on China Trade Bill to Come Next Week". The Wall Street Journal.
  • "Labor Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Support China Trade Bill". The New York Times.