Senate rejects Trump’s rescue of Chinese firm ZTE

[KenH]

“In a sign of the broad backing for the effort, Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Marco Rubio of Florida as well as Democrats like Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts pushed for the ZTE ban to be included in the defense bill.”

Senate rejects Trump’s rescue of Chinese firm ZTE

 

[InTheLight]

"Senate Rejects Trump's Rescue" says the headline.

The reality is they are willing to lift the ban on ZTE phones in the US if:
* They don't violate US law for a year
* Cooperate with US investigators
* US government is prohibited from buying their products.

These are not onerous requirements. This is nothing. The year long probation period could be reduced.

It is a bit discouraging to see the Senate interfere in Trump's trade negotiations with the Chinese. Obviously lifting the ban on ZTE sales in the US is a huge bargaining chip for Trump. He needs to be able to wield it without restrictions. (Besides, who in the US is going to buy a ZTE phone after this news gets widespread?)