Today, the House has chosen the path of progressive change in the American national interest. The message of the House is that the United States will press forward to realize the opportunities that China's membership in the World Trade Organization presents to our people and our businesses. After a very hard-fought battle, we all feel a sense of relief and gratitude that the House has come down on the side of engagement and progress, in the clear interest of America's workers, farmers, exporters, and consumers. The campaign for House approval of PNTR has truly been a national effort, and within the Congress a truly bipartisan effort. We applaud the work of the White House, the House leadership and members of the majority who backed this important measure, the dedicated members of the House minority who fought for PNTR, and the broad business community that has united so energetically to bring about this decision.
Much work remains to be done, however.
Indeed, without PNTR, the chances for productive management with China of the long list of non-trade concerns that sometimes vex us will be severely diminished. The members of the US-China Business Council understand that China's membership in the WTO will bring challenges as well as opportunities to us. Under these conditions, we feel strongly that the people of the United States and China will both enjoy greater prosperity and security. The US-China Business Council is the principal organization of US companies engaged in trade and investment with China. Founded in 1973, with headquarters in Washington and field offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, the Council services a diverse constituency of nearly three hundred leading American corporate members.