CongressDaily
Trade Representative Barshefsky today sent copies of the 250-page document detailing last November's trade agreement between the United States and China to each member of Congress, and also released it to the media. "We are confident that, once people have reviewed the agreement, they will see for themselves that this is a tremendous deal for American workers, farmers and businesses," Barshefsky said in a statement. The document is a complete accounting of the industrial and agricultural tariffs, services commitments and bilateral rules of engagement agreed to last November by the two countries, USTR counsel Robert Novick told reporters during a conference call today. "There's nothing else that [now] hasn't been released," Novick said. He added that Chinese authorities had "no problem" with the release of the document. Novick also said market access for fertilizer is "the only market access issue still being discussed" with China. Spurred by calls from legislators, the Clinton administration decided to release the text despite earlier concerns that it could affect negotiations between China and the European Union and other countries over the terms under which it will enter the World Trade Organization. The text of the agreement had been available only to members of the House and Senate and staff members with appropriate clearances for reading in secure reading rooms. But legislators complained the secrecy was difficult to justify to their constituents. Administration officials made the case today that the terms of the agreement already were well known. "Frankly, I don't believe there is anything new [in the released material]," Novick said, adding, "That it is detailed and enforceable is borne out by the document." But business leaders were pleased. Calman Cohen, co-chairman of the Business Coalition for U.S.-China Trade, said: "Now the general public will be able to see what a terrific deal this is for America. The text of the agreement contains page after page of concessions that will improve our access to China's huge market." Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Summers, speaking today before the Electronic Industries Alliance, was asked if the debate on permanent normal trade relations status for China can be seen as a moratorium on the Clinton-Gore policies versus the more protectionist wing of the Democratic Party. "It's lesser a referendum on any political party than it is on what kind of country we want to be," he said. Summers recalled the period of global economic growth the United States has led over the past 50 years versus the international economic catastrophe brought on in part by U.S. isolationist impulses in the 1920s. He also was asked what will be needed to pass PNTR for China. "Hard work," he responded, "A lot of hard work." He elaborated on that point, explaining it will be necessary "to be willing to stand with people who stand up for what is right." Recognizing the high stakes for some members of Congress, Summers said: "They may be thinking of the choice as to whether to end their career or to not end their career. One just has to understand that."
by Charlie Mitchell and Stephen Norton:
