[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 40 (Monday, October 6, 1997)]
[Page 1474]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the 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.