Political Quotes

“a year ago, with the support of American agriculture, Congress approved legislation granting trade promotion authority to President George W. Bush. The President has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding the American economy by actively engaging in an aggressive trade strategy. This strategy includes negotiations with Chile and Singapore, regional efforts with the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and the Central American Free Trade Agreement talks, and with the World Trade Organization. Congress has had unprecedented access and consultation with negotiators, resulting in agreements without hidden compromises or concessions. Public hearings in the Senate and the House have enabled agricultural groups and others who have a stake in these negotiations to make their views and interests known. Both the Chile and Singapore agreements passed the other body last week by a substantial margin. It is now time for the Senate to approve the agreements. The U.S./Chile agreement provides important new opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. Chile is a market of more than 15 million people with an open and progressive economy. Both the European Union and Canada already have free trade agreements with Chile. Our negotiators were successful in their efforts to eliminate duties on more than three-quarters of American agricultural products within the first 4 years. The agreements also contain a safeguard provision which will help prevent surges in trade volumes.”