To authorize extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the People's Republic of China, and to establish a framework for relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China.
Became Public Law No: 106-286.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 15, 2000
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the People's Republic of China (PRC), provided, prior to such determination, the President certifies to Congress that the terms and conditions for the PRC's accession to the World Trade Organization are at least equivalent to those agreed between the United States and the PRC on November 15, 1999.
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion require the bill to promptly be reported back to the House with an amendment that adds a new section to provide the conditions under which withdrawal of normal trade relations with China can occur. Such conditions involve a situation in which China attacks, invades, or imposes a blockade on Taiwan.
Mr. Bonior moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means and International Relations.
The previous question was ordered without objection.
GENERAL DEBATE - The House continued with debate on H.R. 4444.
GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to H. Res. 510, the House proceeded with three hours of general debate on H.R. 4444.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3662-3747; text of measure as introduced: CR H3662)
Rule H. Res. 510 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 510 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4444 with 3 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4444 as unfinished business.
GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous order of the House, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 2 hours of general debate on H.R. 4444.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ray LaHood to act as Chairman of the Committee.
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union pursuant to special order.
Considered by previous order. (consideration: CR H3596-3615)
Consideration initiated by previous order.
ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR H.R. 4444 - Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time for the Speaker to declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union as though pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII for consideration of H.R. 4444; that the first reading of the bill be dispensed with; that all points of order against consideration of the bill be waived; that general debate proceed for a period not to exceed 2 hours equally divided and controlled; that after general debate the Committee of the Whole rise without motion; and that no further consideration of the bill be in order except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. Agreed to without objection.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 347.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 106-632.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 106-632.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 4.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House (consideration: CR S8353-8357, S8375-8406)
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Bill text & related measures
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Explore the bill from different angles
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Neutral evidence review
Objective
Analyze H.R.4444 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
View full prompt & sources
Fairness and public impact
Progressive lens
Examine H.R.4444 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
View full prompt & sources
Institutions and government scope
Conservative lens
Examine H.R.4444 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
View full prompt & sources
Individual rights and government power
Liberty lens
Examine H.R.4444 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.