The U.S. Senate passed the most significant trade legislation in seven years last week when it approved Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China. But the heavy lifting was really done in the House of Representatives, where the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) delivered a key block of votes under the leadership of Representative Cal Dooley.

China PNTR simply wouldn't have passed without the House New Democrat Coalition. It's just the latest example of what an important force the NDC has become in Congress -- and for the New Democrat movement.

The NDC's influence doesn't stop with trade issues. Formally launched in 1997 by Representative Dooley and his colleagues, Representatives Jim Moran (VA) and Tim Roemer (IN), the 65-member NDC is the leading voice for a wide range of important New Economy issues. In July, the group unveiled its "e-agenda 2.0," the second edition of a comprehensive New Economy policy agenda outlining proposals to invest in education and workforce training initiatives, promote innovation through research, foster the digital economy, adopt responsible fiscal policies to ensure continued economic growth, and assert U.S. global leadership.

Already the largest caucus in the House, the NDC's numbers are growing quickly. In 1998, three in four Democrats who came to Congress joined the Coalition, compared to one in four in 1994. With its size, focused agenda, and strong leadership, the NDC has had a number of important policy achievements beyond China PNTR, including advancing digital signature legislation, limiting Y2K liability, and extending the research and development tax credit.

At first glance, Representative Dooley -- a modest, personable fourth-generation farmer from San Joaquin Valley in California -- would seem to be an unlikely leader for one of the most important groups in the House. But his unassuming demeanor belies a smart, savvy politician of uncommon vision. In fact, his background as a farmer and businessman gives him a unique understanding of some of the most fundamental trends in the New Economy -- from biotechnology to global trade.

Congressman Dooley serves on the Committees on Agriculture and Resources, and is ranking minority member on the House Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. He attended public schools in Hanford, California and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of California at Davis. In 1987, as a Sloan Fellow, Representative Dooley earned a Master's in Management from Stanford University. He and his wife, Linda Phillips, have two daughters, Brooke and Emily.