    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [January 8, 1997]
    [Pages 15-16]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting Legislation on the Appointment of
    the United States Trade Representative
    January 8, 1997

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit herewith for your immediate consideration
    and enactment legislation to provide a waiver from certain provisions
    relating to the appointment of the United States Trade Representative.
        This draft bill would authorize the President, acting by and with
    the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint Charlene Barshefsky as
    the United States Trade Representative, notwithstanding any limitations
    imposed by certain provisions of law. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of
    1995 amended the provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding the
    appointment of the United States Trade Representative and the Deputy
    United States Trade Representatives by imposing certain limitations on
    their appointment. These limitations only became effective with respect
    to the appointment of the United States Trade Representative and Deputy
    United States Trade Representatives on January 1, 1996, and do not apply
    to individuals who were serving in one of those positions on that date
    and continue to serve in them. Because Charlene Barshefsky was appointed
    Deputy United States Trade Representative on May 28, 1993, and has
    continued to serve in that position since then, the limitations in the
    Lobbying Disclosure Act, which became effective on January 1, 1996, do
    not apply to her in her capacity as Deputy United States Trade
    Representative and it is appropriate that they not apply to her if she
    is appointed to be the United States Trade Representative.

    [[Page 16]]

        I have today nominated Charlene Barshefsky to be the next United
    States Trade Representative. She has done an outstanding job as Deputy
    United States Trade Representative since 1993 and as Acting United
    States Trade Representative for the last 9 months. I am confident she
    will make an excellent United States Trade Representative. I urge the
    Congress to take prompt and favorable action on this legislation.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    January 8, 1997.