For Immediate Release: September 19, 2000
Contact: Matthew Frankel/Katharine Lister
(202) 546-0007/ (800) 546-0027

"Final Passage of PNTR with China by the Senate was an important step forward for the global leadership of the United States and for the continuation of our strong economy.

"Democrats and Republicans in the Senate chose the right and realistic approach to bringing China into the WTO, and should be commended for reaching a solution in a bi-partisan fashion.

"During the last seven and a half years, opening markets and expanding the rules-based trading system has been a top priority for the Clinton/Gore Administration. Together, President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore have provided strong leadership that has made the United States better prepared to compete and meet the challenges of the Global Economy. The Administration should be commended for addressing this especially tough issue in an election year and providing a sensible approach to this potentially polarizing issue.

"In addition, this vote shows the important force of the New Democrats in the House and Senate. Without their strong and uncompromising support for open markets, the gains we have made would not have been possible.

"We must not forget that the issue of trade does not end with PNTR with China. The Democratic Leadership Council intends to engage all Democrats in an effort to create a trade agenda which includes rules for the global economy and domestic initiatives designed to 'expand the winner's circle' to all Americans."

Media interested in speaking with DLC President Al From for additional comment may contact Matthew Frankel at (202) 546-0007. For more information on the DLC's Project on America, the New Global Economy, and Trade, web users may go to "New Democrats Online" at NDOL.org.