------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 09:00:23 -0700 (PDT) From: MichaelP <papadop@peak.org> Subject: Fast-track starts in Congress without open debate
Just in case your local news missed this item !!
========================================== WASHINGTON (October 1, 1997 12:04 p.m. EDT http://www.nando.net) -- President Clinton's request for congressional authorization to negotiate new trade agreements cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday. The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure by voice vote with no public discussion after members had spent more than an hour huddled with administration representatives behind closed doors. Clinton is seeking so-called fast-track negotiating authority to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico to other countries in Latin America and beyond. Clinton has been criticized by labor unions and environmental groups for emphasizing trade agreements over worker rights and environmental protection, but administration officials said they were happy with compromise language that had been worked out. "We are very pleased with the action taken today by the Senate Finance Committee," Barshefsky told reporters. "It was a strong bipartisan showing of support for fast track legislation, for the power of the president to continue to lead with respect to international economic policy." _________________________________________________________________
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