Number: RS20691
Title: Voting on NTR for China Again in 2001, and Past Congressional Decisions
Authors: Kerry Dumbaugh, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The 106th Congress considered and passed H.R. 4444, legislation granting China permanent NTR status. Enactment of this legislation, considered an important step prior to China's WTO accession, eliminates the annual NTR renewal process. The House added mandates for continuing review of other non-trade-related issues. The full Senate considered and passed the House bill, unamended. The President signed the bill into law on October 10, 2000, as P.L. 106-286. But this Act only grants permanent NTR to China once it joins the WTO. As it is unlikely to occur until the end of 2001, the President again this year will be compelled to recommend another temporary extension of China's NTR status for one year. Renewal is subject to enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval by Congress.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated July 17, 2001