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 For Immediate Release
Nov 10, 1997 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172


CLINTON AND GINGRICH BAIL OUT OF FAST TRACK VOTE AS IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT BOTH LEADERS DO NOT HAVE SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTIES

Low Ethical Standing of Both Leaders Key in Humiliating Failure to Pass Measure Designed to Boost Trade


While recent and sustained American economic prosperity is in large part the result of trade with Latin America and other fast growing regions, Clinton and Gingrich have failed to convince their parties to vote to grant authority to allow the President to negotiate trade treaties under "fast track" -- a provision which allows only for Congressional acceptance or disapproval of such trade treaties. Historically, "fast track" has made it easier to pass important trade legislation. However, last night the House vote on "fast track" was "postponed," when it became apparent that it would not pass.

In light of the campaign finance scandal, first uncovered by Judicial Watch in its suit against the Clinton Commerce Department -- where seats on taxpayer financed trade missions were sold for large campaign contributions in violation of the U.S.Criminal Code at 18 U.S.C. 600 -- it is clear that President Clinton has lost his standing to negotiate treaties with foreign powers on behalf of the American people. "A President who has been shown to have possibly been 'bought' by foreign interests cannot be trusted to represent the American people before the same interests he may have accepted money from," stated Judicial Watch Chairman Larry Klayman. "Mr. Clinton is currently under investigation for accepting campaign contributions from a number of foreign sources, including Latin American," added Klayman.

"As for Gingrich, his low political standing since he pled "guilty" to ethics violations last January have severely damaged his ability to move key legislation through Congress. It is more than ironic that he and President Clinton have both failed in their bid to pass "fast track," as these two are alike in their low ethical and political standing among their own parties. Their joint defeat shows that there is a price to be paid for their actions, and unfortunately the American people are the losers. Nevertheless, as Clinton has been shown to be involved in illegally accepting campaign contributions from foreign sources, the defeat of "fast track" at this time is necessary, as this President cannot be trusted to negotiate with foreign powers under these circumstances. 'Fast track' and further trade treaties will have to await another American President," concluded Klayman, an international trade lawyer in his own private practice.


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