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Fast Track
FAST TRACK VOTE SCHEDULED
12/01
The U.S. House of Representatives has
scheduled a vote on Trade Promotion Authority (formerly called fast
track) for December 6, 2001. Many Members remain opposed or on the
fence, especially because so few supporters have made their voices
heard. There is a real possibility the vote will go down to defeat. If
that happens, it will compromise the ability of the U.S. to enter into
trade agreements and otherwise retain its leadership position on many
important international trade issues. Such a result will also take away
most of the leverage the U.S. has to open foreign markets to U.S.
exporters.
NOW is the time to tell your Member how
you feel. All you need to do is call 1-866-PASS-TPA. Your phone call
generates a letter to your Member.
FAST TRACK RENEWAL
STATUS
10/97
Late last week, the House
Ways and Means Committee reported out a bipartisan version of a bill
which would renew fast track authority for trade negotiations. Fast
track is a legislative method whereby whatever agreement the
Administration negotiates, rather than the usual Congressional
arrangement where related provisions may be added to a bill, with fast
track the vote is approve or disapprove only, no amendments.
Republicans supported the measure in
great numbers in both the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means
Committees. The same cannot be said for Democrats, many of whom want to
add tough environmental clean up and labor rights provisions to any
future trade agreements. Others will only approve fast track if there
are "fixes" provided to what are seen as the short-comings of
NAFTA, e.g. Trade Adjustment Assistance to secondary workers, and NAD
Bank and BECC reforms.
Whatever your views on fast track and the
negotiating authority which should be granted to the Administration,
Members of Congress are now in their home districts for the Columbus
holiday break. Let them know your feelings. Bear in mind that labor and
other traditional elements of the Democratic party intend to use this
break to register their negative votes and voices regarding fast track.
Call or write your Member and Senator as soon as possible. If you are
unable to make the time to meet or write, at least call 1-800-500-4252
so that a letter may be sent in your name supporting fast track. America
Leads on Trade (ALOT), the business supported group leading the charge
for fast track renewal, operates this telephone number. For more
information about fast track or sample letters for personal preparation,
contact ALOT at 202-347-0911 or alot@conx.com.
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