[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1483-E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEND SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE EFFORTS TO REVIVE FAST TRACK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 1998

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member would take a moment to commend 
the members of the Senate Finance Committee for their efforts last 
Tuesday to give ``fast-track'' authority to the President by attaching 
fast-track legislation to S. 778, the Africa Growth and Opportunity 
Act. This action by the Senate was also applauded on the editorial page 
in the July 24, 1998, edition of The Omaha World-Herald, as necessary 
to protecting the economic health of our nation by giving the President 
the flexibility and authority to negotiate international trade 
agreements expeditiously.
  Unfortunately, the Clinton administration, which initially stated 
fast track was one of their top legislative priorities, labeled this 
initiative by the Senate Finance Committee as ``political mischief.'' 
Why is it that the Nebraska press can readily identify legislation 
designed to safeguard the interests of U.S. workers and consumers when 
all the administration can do is play politics?


[[Page E1484]]



              [From the Omaha World-Herald, July 24, 1998]

      Clinton's Switch on Fast-Track A Puzzling Political Maneuver

       The Senate Finance Committee has resurrected a plan that 
     was considered dead: giving President Clinton ``fast-track'' 
     authority to negotiate international trade deals. But now the 
     administration seems to be balking.
       Fast-track authority enables presidents to negotiate 
     international trade agreements without interference from 
     Congress. When a deal is made, Congress can say ``yes'' or 
     ``no,'' but cannot rewrite it. Presidents have had the 
     authority, granted by Congress, since 1974. But in 1994, the 
     authorizing legislation lapsed.
       Efforts to revive it earlier this year were supported by 
     President Clinton, many congressional Republicans and 
     business groups. But opposition was strong from protectionist 
     labor groups and environmental organizations worried about 
     pollution abroad. Those groups with the cooperation of 
     Democrats, helped kill the proposal.
       Maverick Republicans also had a hand on the ax. They 
     attempted to hold fast-track hostage until Clinton agreed to 
     reduce family-planning aid to Third World countries.
       The Finance Committee voted 18 to 2 Tuesday to attach fast-
     track to a bill, already passed by the House, that would 
     expand trade with Africa. President Clinton should be 
     delighted.
       But no. Press Secretary Mike McCurry asserted that the 
     committee vote was ``political mischief'' rather than a 
     commitment to free trade. Senate Democrats, too, were unhappy 
     with the revival of the potentially divisive issue before an 
     election.
       Fast-track eases the way for U.S. negotiators to join in 
     drafting international agreements. Without it, possible 
     trading partners aren't motivated to make their best deal 
     because they know Congress can always revise any agreement 
     that is reached.
       International trade has become increasingly important to 
     the U.S. economy. That is especially true in the Midlands, 
     where agricultural exports are growing fast. In Nebraska, for 
     instance, exports have increased fivefold in the last five 
     years.
       Surely something that was so important just a few months 
     ago remains important, even though an election is 
     approaching. The president still needs the flexibility and 
     authority granted by fast track to deal with trade agreements 
     expeditiously.
       When President Clinton declared that fast-track authority 
     was one of his top legislative priorities, he was speaking 
     out of a concern for U.S. trade relations. Senators and 
     members of the House who pushed the issue had the same worthy 
     motive.
       Political maneuvering had to place in the conversation 
     then. It still does not.

     

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