The so-called fast-track legislation was passed by the Senate earlier this month in a 33-to-1 vote that was heavily Republican.

But his loss of the fast-track legislation - postwar America's most serious renunciation of its historic trade leadership - was a blow.

Other processes, such as fast-track legislation, have taken the place of the legislative veto and achieved the same effects.

But with Mr. Bush as president, organized labor may no longer be able to block the so-called fast-track legislation.

Without passage of fast-track legislation, however, our success in selling American products to the world will be at risk.

Passage of fast-track legislation is critical to insure that our economy continues to grow at its present rate.

"The United States may not yet have fast-track legislation but we will," he said.

Under what is called the fast-track legislation, if the agreement is presented to Congress before March 2, it cannot make modifications.

He waited until late - mid-September - to introduce his version of fast-track legislation.

Congress regularly turns popular, fast-track legislation into a Christmas tree for less compelling proposals.