    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 30 (Monday, July 28, 1997)]
    [Page 1119]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Coordination of Fast Track Legislation

    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.