According to Reuters (Mar 28, 2001), "A vote in the U.S. House of Representatives this spring to extend normal trade relations to China could be more difficult than last year because of Beijing's deteriorating record on human rights, House Majority Leader Richard Armey said on Tuesday."

" 'I worry a lot about that vote,' Armey told a U.S. business group. 'I don't think it will be an easier vote' even though Congress approved 'permanent normal trade relations' (PNTR) with China last year, he said."

"Many House members are frustrated that they have to vote on the issue again, Armey said. "

The article continued: "Last month, the State Department's annual report on human rights said the situation in China was deteriorating, prompting the Bush administration to seek a condemnation of Beijing at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva."

"Armey said many of his colleagues shared the concern that human rights conditions have deteriorated in China over the past year. 'They're not making it easy for us,' he said."

The article concluded: "Supporters of normal trade relations with China are 'going to have to work harder' to win approval this year, he said. "