DELAYED VOTE ON FAST-TRACK NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY FOR TRADE

Joint Statement By Clark S. Willingham, President-Elect and
Mark Armentrout, International Markets Committee Chairman
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
November 10, 1997

   "NCBA is disappointed that the White House and Congressmen were obliged to postpone a vote on fast-track negotiating authority for international trade agreements until next year. Our competitors will continue to forge trade agreements with new markets and expand opportunities with existing ones while the United States is shut out of the process.

   "While fast-track is a relatively simple procedural issue, it is the one of the decisive factors shaping the U.S. image in the international trade arena. Supporting fast-track authority for trade is not a policy decision, it is a vote on the process. It is a vote on whether or not the United States will have the ability to negotiate trade agreements and remain the leader in bringing fairness and access to global agricultural markets. NCBA will continue its strong support of fast-track negotiating authority.

   "Before the fast-track vote was delayed, the Administration had committed to include livestock trade initiatives in implementation of fast- track and concurred with several House and Senate provisions aimed at ensuring U.S. agriculture's concerns are a priority in trade negotiations. NCBA will work to ensure these commitments remain in the legislation when fast-track is brought up again.

   "But a key opportunity has been lost and we -- meaning all of agriculture -- will simply need to redouble our efforts for passage in the coming year. Moving fast-track legislation will be a tough battle next year, but NCBA is looking forward to securing U.S. cattle producers the ability to access new markets and expand our stake with existing customers."

Initiated in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the marketing organization and trade association for America's one million cattle farmers and ranchers. With offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C., NCBA is a consumer-focused, producer-directed organization representing the largest segment of the nation's food and fiber industry.