July 20,1999

Roth Opposes Smith Motion; Says Now Not Time to Debate China, Vietnam

WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. today opposed a motion by Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) to immediately bring up for debate the President's extension of the Jackson-Vanik waiver authority with respect to China and Vietnam. His statement from the floor follows:

"I rise today in opposition to Senator Smith's motions to discharge the Finance Committee of S.J.Res 27 and 28. These resolutions would overturn the President's extension of the Jackson-Vanik waiver authority with respect to China and Vietnam.

"I can understand Senator Smith's desire to have the Senate consider and debate these resolutions. Our trading relationship with these countries is clearly worth our attention. That is why the Senate should, at the appropriate time, consider and debate the nature of our economic relationship with both China and Vietnam.

"This, however, is not the time. There is a process already underway in the House on these resolutions that we should allow to continue. The Ways and Means Committee has already reported out these resolutions -- both adversely, I might add. Floor action in the House on both these measures is already planned for the next few weeks. With the House ready to act, there is no reason for us to undercut that process by taking these matters up at this time.

"If the House does pass either of these resolutions, then the Senate should consider them on their merits. On the issue of China, I will be ready, along with many of my colleagues, to discuss why maintaining Normal Trade Relations with that country is in our national interest. In short, there are -- and there will continue to be -- areas of significant disagreement between our two nations. But the record is clear that our commercial relationship with China has been good for our economy. It has also helped bring about positive change in China.

"On the issue of Vietnam, I look to my colleagues, Senators John Kerry, McCain, Bob Kerrey, Hagel, Robb and Cleland. These senators -- all Vietnam veterans -- support the Jackson-Vanik waiver. In their view, the President's waiver has helped in resolving the problems we have had with Vietnam on emigration.

"While these are my views, in brief, a more substantive discussion of these issues should come at a later time. Until the House acts, we should complete our work on the matters already before us. After all, the motions to discharge the Committee are effectively motions to proceed to the resolutions themselves. That means, under the Jackson-Vanik statute, 20 hours of floor debate on each measure. That also means putting off our consideration of the appropriations bills.

"For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote against Senator Smith's motions."