[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        U.S. NEEDS FAST TRACT AUTHORITY TO REMAIN GLOBAL LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago I spoke before this House in 
favor of renewing fast track trade authority for the President. I 
called for my colleagues to choose statesmanship over politics and vote 
for this important legislation simply because it is the right thing to 
do and they know it.
  I was deeply saddened that we did not have the support of the White 
House and many key Democrats in that fight--Democrats who typically 
understand the importance of fast track for opening new markets for 
U.S. farmers and exporters. I was saddened they were too concerned 
about the timing of passing the legislation and not the fact that their 
constituents need it, America's farmers need it, small businesses need 
it and consumers need it.
  Mr. Speaker, I am more than saddened today. I am completely perplexed 
and frustrated. Yesterday, President Clinton spoke before International 
Monetary Fund and World Bank officials and called for expanded trade 
for next year and strategies to spur economic growth. I am very glad to 
hear him say these things, but his speech is a bit hypocritical.
  It moves me to ask why the President will promote fast track 
authority renewal in January and wouldn't just two weeks ago? How is it 
the President can say it is ``inexcusable and reckless to hold up [IMF] 
money based on other issues at a time when the world needs U.S. 
leadership?
  President Clinton's failure to be engaged in the recent fast track 
debate directly contributed to its demise at a time when U.S. exporters 
needed his leadership--and the international economy needs U.S. 
leadership. I want my constituents to know that I have concerns about 
IMF funding because of, in the words of my colleague from Florida, Rep. 
Stearns, ``the countless evidence of the malfeasance and mismanagement 
of IMF.''
  Mr. Speaker, my concerns have nothing to do with what time of the 
year it is or because certain advocacy groups have threatened political 
ramifications. My concerns have to do with pure policy issues and a 
true desire to see U.S. taxpayer dollars used appropriately.
  And on the issue of taxes, I don't think I could say it better than 
Senator Roth: ``Why should we expect Japan to push through a Kemp-Roth 
style tax reduction . . . when the White House opposes any domestic tax 
rate cut that would spur growth?''
  Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed that politics have replaced real 
leadership at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. America needs to be 
a strong leader out in the global market place. We need to set the 
parameters of debates and make sure we are included in market access 
agreements that would benefit our farmers and businessmen and women. 
America needs fast track trade authority and a President who truly 
wants it.

                          ____________________