Washington - The Senate Finance Committee revived legislation that would give President Clinton fast track trade negotiating authority.
Farm groups have thrown their support behind fast track authority as a way to open new markets at a time of depressed meat and grain prices.
"Trade is a positive-sum game from which we all can benefit," committee Chairman William Roth, a Delaware Republican, said ahead of a committee vote in support of the measure.
Fast track, which would give the president authority to negotiate trade deals that cannot later be amended by Congress, had been considered dead for the year. Under the bill, lawmakers could vote for or against trade agreements, but not change them.
Fast track stalled in the House in November after Clinton failed to muster enough votes, mostly among his own Democrats, to pass the measure. Labor unions had launched a successful campaign last year to defeat the measure.
The Clinton administration supports other trade improving initiatives in the legislation but wants Congress to hold off this year on the fast track provision because of the political problems it has created, deeply dividing Democrats in the House.
"That's probably more political mischief than commitment to free trade," White House spokesman Mike McCurry told reporters at a briefing.
"We think it's important to proceed on those trade initiatives that are real, that are moving forward, that are getting serious attention in Congress, specifically with respect to the Caribbean and ... Africa," McCurry added.
But supporters argue that countries are reluctant to negotiate trade deals with the United States if they also feel they have to negotiate with Congress.
"I think it is imperative that we move ahead with fast -track," said Sen. Phil Gramm, a Republican from Texas.
The bill must still be considered by the full Senate and the House. Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott said earlier this month he would like the Senate to vote on the fast track legislation before Congress adjourns in October.
While the measure passed in the Senate committee by 18-2, lawmakers expressed concerns about its prospects in the House. "At the moment it is most likely to fail," said Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, the ranking Democrat on the Senate panel.
Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois voted against the bill.
"I simply can't support an agreement that has been so harmful to my state," Conrad said.
In addition to renewing fast track trading authority, the legislation would authorize a new trade and investment policy for sub-Saharan Africa. Qualifying countries would be able to receive quota-free access to the U.S. market for apparel products made with U.S. fabrics.
"I am saddened that a poison pill has been put in this legislation and that is fast track," said Moseley-Braun.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Return to Home Page