For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 20, 2004
Presidential Letter
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate
February 20, 2004
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
In accordance with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002
(the "Trade Act"), I am pleased to notify the Congress of my intent to
enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Governments of Costa
Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua (hereinafter
"Central America").
This agreement will create new opportunities for Americas workers,
farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade
with Central America. Our Central American partners have made dramatic
progress in transitioning from countries wracked by civil war to
peaceful, democratic societies. This agreement will write a new page
of our history with Central America -- one that depicts sustained
engagement in support of democracy, peaceful regional integration,
economic opportunity, and hope. This agreement is part of a broader
strategy that my Administration is pursuing to expand economic
opportunities and to promote economic growth and prosperity. We are
also moving forward with negotiations to integrate the Dominican
Republic in our FTA with Central America.
Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
least 90 days in advance of signing the United States- Central America
FTA. My Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to
develop appropriate legislation to approve and implement an historic
free trade agreement with Central America.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
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