    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 1, 1997]
    [Page 1283]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Finance Committee Action on Fast-Track Trading
    Authority Legislation
    October 1, 1997

        I am pleased that the Senate Finance Committee, with overwhelming
    bipartisan support, has reported out legislation that renews the
    partnership between the President and the Congress in reaching trade
    agreements, a negotiating authority every President has had since 1974.
    To keep the American economy strong, we must continue to break down
    unfair foreign trade barriers to our goods and services. This
    legislation will allow us to tear down those barriers and help American
    businesses and workers compete and win in the global marketplace. I look
    forward to working with the congressional leadership to build on the
    bipartisan spirit we saw in the Senate Finance Committee today and to
    secure passage of this important legislation this year.