[Judy Woodruff, Cnn Anchor:] As you can see in these live pictures from the U.S. House of Representatives, members of Congress debating at this hour whether China should be granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States. This could add up to billions of dollars for U.S. businesses. Clouding the passage of the measure: China's human rights record. A vote in the House of Representatives, which we're seeing right now, that vote expected tomorrow, Wednesday. More now on this from CNN state department correspondent Andrea Koppel.
[Andrea Koppel, Cnn State Dept. Correspondent:] In the midst of the usual faceoff with labor and human rights activists on one side and the pro-China business lobby on the other, an unlikely alliance between Beijing and Washington. Both on the same side, pushing Congress to support permanent normal trade relations for China. President Clinton calls it a matter of national security.
[William J. Clinton, President Of The United States:] I believe that a no vote invites a future of dangerous confrontation and constant insecurity.
[Koppel:] And Mr. Clinton's advisers warn, without PNTR, Beijing will conclude the United States wants to prevent China from becoming an Asian economic power.
[Jim Steinberg, U.s. Dep. Natl. Security Adviser:] They will see it not as an economically motivated decision, but rather one that's designed to weaken China.
[Koppel:] The administration says other potential fallout includes trouble for China's reformers eager to embrace the West, increased friction and resentment of the United States and a higher trade deficit. Last year's was already the highest ever.
[Rep. Nancy Pelosi , California:] As we get this challenge to our conscience, the question is, what will prevail, our conscience or our cash registers?
[Koppel:] In its most recent human rights report, the U.S. State Department put Beijing on notice, harshly criticizing China for its deteriorating record on human rights. [voice-over]: Citing the Chinese government's campaign against followers of the Falun Gong meditation group, a group the government labeled a cult, making it illegal to join. Most Falun Gong organizers have been thrown in jail. [on camera]: Still U.S. officials insist denying PNTR won't encourage China's leaders to ease up, but they believe greater exposure to Western values could. Andrea Koppel, CNN, the State Department.