Steny Hoyer: “I rise as someone who supported NAFTA, who supported GATT, who has voted for fast track, and who was one of the 42…”

“I rise as someone who supported NAFTA, who supported GATT, who has voted for fast track, and who was one of the 42 Democrats ready to vote for fast track, which was not brought to the floor just about a year ago. I rise as someone who is going to vote ``no.'' I rise lamenting the fact that this issue has been so politicized, an issue that the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means rightfully said is critical to this country. There has been no bipartisan discussion on fast track this year as there was last. I rise in opposition to this being brought to the floor because I think it hurts this effort; it does not help it. President Clinton has shown more courage on trade than any president under whom I have served or with whom I have served. This issue should not go forward now. Why? Because it is critical that we pass fast track. And I am going to support it next year. I will tell my friends, I am voting ``no'' now, and next year I will be asking a lot of ``noes'' to vote ``yes.''”