[House Document 108-162]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                                     

108th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 108-162
 
 NOTIFICATION TO ENTER INTO A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT 
                              OF AUSTRALIA

                               __________

                                MESSAGE

                                  from

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

   NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ENTER INTO A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE 
 GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2105(a)(1)(A) OF 
        THE TRADE ACT OF 2002, PURSUANT TO 19 U.S.C. 2112(e)(1)




  February 24, 2004.--Message and accompanying papers referred to the 
         Committee on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                     Washington, February 13, 2004.
Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    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 Government of Australia.
    This agreement will create new opportunities for America's 
workers, farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating 
barriers of trade with Australia. Australia is already a major 
trade and investment partner of the United States, as well as 
one of the strongest and most dependable friends this country 
has ever had. This agreement will provide opportunities to 
further deepen this important relationship, for the mutual 
benefit of our two nations.
    Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this 
notification at least 90 days in advance of signing the United 
States-Australia FTA. My Administration looks forward to 
working with the Congress in developing appropriate legislation 
to approve and implement this free trade agreement.
            Sincerely,
                                                    George W. Bush.