OTHER NEWS - June 9, 1995

Emotions Run High at Trade Hearing: Demonstrators favoring one side or the other picketed noisily outside the Washington building where the U.S. trade representative’s office was having a daylong hearing on the Clinton Administration’s threat to hit 13 models of Japanese luxury cars with 100% duties if Tokyo does not agree by June 28 to open its markets. Members of Congress showed support for President Clinton’s efforts as U.S. trade officials were told of the barriers U.S. companies face in Japan. “History proves that until we [take action] . . . we’re not going to get access,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.). Japanese car makers argued that the sanctions would be “inappropriate and indefensible” and would violate international trade laws. A number of U.S. auto dealers also protested, predicting job losses. The trade hearing is a formal proceeding required by U.S. law before sanctions can go into effect.