Reagan was urged to back a textile bill.

A letter signed by 174 House members was sent to Treasury Secretary James Baker, urging the Administration to “face reality” and end its opposition to legislation aimed at curbing textile imports. “It is high time the Administration faces reality with respect to the devastating effect imports are having on the American economy,” the congressional letter said. The Administration says the bill would cost American consumers $14 billion a year and “invite retaliation against U.S. exports.”