From: Sara Ruth/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 9-18-97

Subject: Gephardt Calls Clinton Trade Authority Proposal 'A Step Backwards'

House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt called President Bill Clinton's fast track trade authority proposal "unacceptable" and a "step backwards." The fast-track proposal gives the president the authority to negotiate trade deals without any amendments from Congress.

In a statement, Gephardt said he felt the proposal would "send the wrong signal to the world community about what our priorities and standards in trade should be."

Gephardt would like to see stronger environmental and labor guarantees. "What I and others are arguing for is that U.S. workers and environment be treated and enforced the same as copyrights and investments," he said.

In Other News:

Thursday Sept. 18, 1997

• Tamraz: Contributions Bought White House Access
• Partisan Politics And The Christian Coalition
• N.Y. Runoff Canceled, Sharpton Files Suit
• It's 'Day One' In Tobacco War
• First Lady Asks Press To Respect Chelsea's Privacy
• Helms Backs NATO Expansion
• Albright Boosts Clinton Trade Plan
• Internet Site To Monitor Kids TV
• No Tobacco Settlement This Year
• Clinton Promises To Protect Farmers
• NATO Hints At Further Bosnia Role
• NEA Survives Attack In Senate
• Reno Defends Campaign Task Force

E-mail From Washington:
• GOP Lawmakers Ask For Explanation Of Jones' Audit
• Justice Wants O'Leary Probe
• Justice Won't Object To Immunity Request
• Gore Says He's Cooperating With Justice Department
• House Ponders Barring Bob Dornan From The Floor
• Gephardt Rips Clinton Trade Proposal