[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
[July 24, 1997]
[Page 995]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement Announcing the Fast Track Legislation Team
July 24, 1997

    I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jason S. Berman to serve 
as Special Counselor to the President and coordinate the 
administration's effort to pass fast track legislation.
    During his tenure at the White House, Mr. Berman will take a leave 
of absence from his current position as chairman of the Recording 
Industry Association of America. I am grateful to him for setting aside 
this work to join our team. Mr. Berman's extensive knowledge of trade 
policy and unparalleled experience on the Hill will be invaluable to our 
effort.
    I am also pleased to announce that I have asked Victoria L. Radd, an 
outstanding member of my staff, to join Mr. Berman in coordinating this 
effort. Ms. Radd is an Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to 
Erskine Bowles. During the past 4 years, she has also served as 
Associate Counsel to the President and as Deputy Director of 
Communications. Prior to joining the White House, she was a partner in 
the law firm of Williams & Connolly.
    The economic strategy of my administration, based on reducing the 
deficit, investing in the education and skills of our people, and 
opening markets, has helped produce the strongest economy in the world. 
I am calling on the Congress to enact fast track legislation so we can 
continue our aggressive drive to open markets to our goods and services 
and create more high skilled jobs for the American people. Every 
President, Republican and Democrat, in the past two decades has had this 
vital tool to maintain effective American leadership in the global 
economy. Fast track authority is in the national interest of the United 
States, and my appointment of Jay Berman makes clear my determination to 
fight for passage of this important legislation.