Reagan Warns Against Upset of Veto on Textile Import Cuts
President Reagan, fighting for Administration trade policy on the eve of a crucial House vote, said today that overriding his veto of cuts in textile and apparel imports would shatter global markets.
With the House showdown just a day away and both sides scrambling for last-minute votes, textile industry supporters said they are close to victory in their campaign to override the veto.
“It will all depend on whether or not the President is able to peel away any votes today, because I think at this point we’re probably even or a couple of votes ahead,” said Rep. Ed Jenkins (D-Ga.), leader of the textile forces.
Spokesman Larry Speakes said Reagan told Republican leaders during a meeting at the White House that new textile agreements with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea are the tightest ever negotiated by the United States.
He quoted Reagan as saying “an override of my veto would have the effect of shattering these important agreements and our hopes for broad participation” in upcoming world trade negotiations.
Both sides said the margin could be five votes either way, and the Administration expressed concern over its efforts on Capitol Hill to head off a veto.
“A lot of people up there just aren’t listening,” U.S. Trade Representative Clayton K. Yeutter told reporters.
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