Fast-Track Trade Authority Extension

The committee heard testimony on President Bush’s March 1 request for extension of fast-track trade authority. An extension of fast-track trade authority would continue to give the President the ability to “rush” trade legislation through Congress, and is considered essential by the Bush administration in order to pass the North American Free Trade Agreement. Under fast-track trade authority, Congress must vote on the legislation within a particular time limit, and may not amend the bill. Rep. Gephardt said support for international trade legislation did not necessarily require support for fast-track legislation, and said President Bush should be required by Congress to fulfill a number of requirements in the trade legislation before Congress approves fast-track authority. Issues brought up by Mr. Gephardt included human rights, worker rights, fair wages, and the environment. Labor leaders testified against the extension of fast-track authority on the grounds that lowered tariffs combined with low wages among Mexican labor would attract American industry, and would result in the loss of American jobs. In addition, should the North American Trade Agreement pass, it would not guarantee against lowered working conditions of Mexican workers. close