Max Baucus: “I am encouraged by the beginnings of bipartisan action from the House on fast-track legislation, otherwise known as…”

“I am encouraged by the beginnings of bipartisan action from the House on fast-track legislation, otherwise known as trade promotion authority. We have a little ways to go, but I am very encouraged by the beginnings of a bipartisan agreement in the other body. It is my hope there can be more bipartisan agreement than there has been thus far. We want a bill to pass the House with as many votes as possible. Obviously, granting fast-track authority, granting trade promotion to the President by the Congress, if it passes by an extraordinarily large margin, will be helpful in negotiating the SALT trade agreement with other countries. The key is in the spirit of the bipartisanship and cooperation, which has been tremendous, that has occurred since September 11. There is an opportunity for continued bipartisan agreement in the trade bill. I am very pleased to say there has been such cooperation in Washington, DC--both Houses, both political parties, both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.”