Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, sent letters to United States Congressmen who represent areas covered by the Archdiocese, dated July 23, 1999, urging support of House Joint Resolution 57. This resolution, sponsored by Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R. California), would deny renewal of Normal Trade Relations (formerly known as Most Favored Nation) status for the People's Republic of China.

The Cardinal states, "Passage of this legislation would make it clear that protection of basic human rights, throughout the world, is an ongoing priority for the United States. To elicit positive change, there must be consequences for the continued human rights violations by Chinese authorities. Despite increased engagement between the United States and Chinese administrations during recent years, as well as efforts to raise this issue, the persecution of religious groups and democracy advocates in China persists."

The Cardinal remarked that Congress has the privileged ability to reinforce the United States' commitment to protecting human rights and to establish a clear impetus for Chinese reform. Cardinal Bevilacqua said he joins his brother bishops from throughout the United States in urging support of this resolution. The United States Catholic Conference has been an active advocate of a human rights component in the bilateral relations between our government and the People's Republic of China.

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