Bryan and other Democrats urge normal relations with China

WASHINGTON - Nevada Sen. Richard Bryan and other members of the Senate New Democrats are calling on Republican leadership to immediately consider legislation that would grant permanent normal trade relations to China.

"Passage of PNTR for China is absolutely critical if our nation wants to maintain the kind of economic expansion that we have enjoyed over the last seven years," said Bryan.

The letter to Majority Leader Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., asks for consideration of the legislation before the July 4 recess, saying, "This legislation merits a bipartisan effort to pass the bill as it has been sent to us from the House."

Bryan and others signing the letter argue that the bill should not be amended because that could "delay or possibly kill this urgently needed legislation."

Bryan said trade with China is vital to the U.S.

"If we don't sell them our products, other nations will certainly pick up the slack," he said.

He said refusing won't solve problems such as China's record on human rights, the proliferation of weapons from that nation or its "bullying of Taiwan."