Also attending this private meeting were Secretary of State Madeline Albright, U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman, Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling, National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and White House Chief of Staff John Podesta. By doing so, we open their markets, which contain more than one billion consumers, to our agriculture, high tech and other products while making the Chinese society more open and free. This issue is one of the most crucial the Congress will take up this year because it will affect both our economy and our national security.
China is America s fourth-largest trading partner.
Agricultural commodities and computer equipment, both produced in Oregon, are among the leading U.S. exports to China. Walden will follow up today s meeting by testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday regarding the great importance of trade with China to Oregon s economy. Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes the 20 counties of southern, central and eastern Oregon. Rep. Walden is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture , The House Committee on Resources and the House Committee on Government Reform .