Fast track is off track now when it comes to U.S. trade

Republicans have discarded the term “fast track” trade authority, which was used to describe the process for letting the President negotiate international trade agreements. Instead, Senator Charles Grassley and others are now calling it “trade promotion authority.” Grassley calls it a tool the President needs.Congress refused to grant President Clinton the “fast track” authority. Grassley and others are ginning up a campaign to get rid of the negative words “fast track” in hopes of getting Congress to approve the authority for President Bush. He says the United States is at a trade crossroads and needs to decide what it wants to do.Grassley co-hosted a “trade promotion authority” rally in D-C this morning.The group brought in the largest tractor John Deere makes — a 33-thousand pound, 13-foot high, 24-foot long tractor — to highlight the kind of products which could be exported under new trade agreements.