Political Quotes

“at a time when the eyes of the capital and the news media are focused on the Judiciary deliberations and the scope and authority of impeachment inquiry, when others are struggling to deal with the slaughter in Kosovo, it is hard perhaps for us to give attention to the mounting global economic crisis and the role that United States leadership will play. Yet I sincerely believe that world peace, alleviating human suffering and poverty, and averting environmental disaster are all tied in the long run to the United States economic leadership far more than military might. Ten days ago we suffered a setback on the floor of the House of Representatives with the rejection of the fast track authority, not just the rejection of that authority itself, but how and why it was done. I do believe that America's Presidents need the ability to negotiate some treaties that Congress votes on on an up-or-down basis. Every President since Richard Nixon has had that power. Recently the authority for the Clinton administration expired, and it has been unable to be renewed. Last year we were close to a vote, but because it was deemed that we were short of the votes and we could not afford a defeat, the matter was withdrawn.”