Reporter-News Archives Friday, October 31, 1997 Izzard opposes 'fast-track' trade legislation By RICHARD HORN / Abilene Reporter-News Republican congressional hopeful Rudy Izzard said Thursday he opposes "fast-track" trade legislation now being debated in Washington. "Certainly I'm not opposed to global trade," Izzard said. "But when it comes to negotiating our trade agreements, I believe it's much better for Congress and the president to work out problems beforehand rather than hastily enact these trade agreements and then try to repair them later." Izzard challenged incumbent Democrat Charles Stenholm in 1996 and plans to run again next year. He said numerous people, especially farmers and ranchers, have asked about his position on the trade issue. Under fast-track authority, President Clinton could negotiate trade deals without fear Congress would pick them apart. Senators and representatives could vote only to approve or disapprove trade pacts; they could not amend them. The proposed legislation has drawn opposition from trade unions, liberal Democrats and some conservative Republicans. Stenholm, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, came out early in favor of fast track, calling it "absolutely necessary to the future of our industry." Several farm organizations also are pushing for fast-track approval. But Izzard said he's heard from many individual farmers who oppose granting Clinton that authority. "In all fairness to Congressman Stenholm, as ranking minority member (of the committee) he is probably looking at it with a little broader view," Izzard said. "I feel my position more accurately represents people in the 17th District." Fast-track proponents argue that without the authority, other countries will be reluctant to reach agreement with the United States, leaving the nation out of the picture and therefore at a critical trade disadvantage. But Izzard said he doesn't believe the United States will be protectionist or isolationist if Congress doesn't grant fast-track authority to the president. "The entire world looks to the United States to set the pace for global trade, and that pace needs to be measured and fair," he said. Izzard said he would favor alternative legislation that would limit amendments but still give Congress more than a single up-or-down vote on a pact.   Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1997, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications