Bush to push for 'fast-track' trade authority

Bush is set to state to deliver a trade policy speech later today.

From John King
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush will ask Congress this week to grant him "trade promotion authority" -- meaning Congress would have to vote on trade treaties negotiated by the administration without the option of amendments.

During the Clinton years the term was known as "fast-track" authority. The request will be among several items on a list of "principles" the president will send to Congress later this week.

Bush is scheduled to discuss his views on trade during a Monday afternoon speech in Washington. White House press secretary Ari Fleischer promised "new language" to frame a debate that has divided both major political parties in recent years.

Fleischer said Bush would warn of the perils of "the new protectionism" being voiced as part of the trade debate.

Besides asking for trade promotion authority, Bush would commit the United States to negotiate bilateral trade agreements with Jordan and Singapore.

He is negotiating a similar agreement with Chile, even as he seeks broad powers to negotiate the Free Trade Area of the Americas -- to which the 34 democracies of the hemisphere committed themselves at the recent Summit of the Americas in Quebec.

Bush promised at the summit that he would ask Congress for the negotiating authority. His request later this week will open a likely divisive debate over the trade issue.

Bush pledges to improve ties with Mexico
May 5, 2001

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