[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FREE TRADE AGREEMENT--MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF 
                THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 108-178)

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood) laid before the House the 
following message from the President of the United States; which was 
read and, without objection, referred to the Committee on Ways and 
Means and ordered to be printed:

To the Congress of the United States:
  Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002 
(Public Law 107-210; 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 the Dominican Republic.
  This agreement will create new opportunities by eliminating barriers 
to trade with the Dominican Republic, the largest economy in the 
Caribbean Basin. At the same time, it will help bring to the Dominican 
Republic expanded economic freedom and opportunity, and it will provide 
an opportunity for regional stability, democracy, and economic 
development through closer ties of commerce, investment, and 
friendship.
  Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at 
least 90 days in advance of entering into an agreement with the 
Dominican Republic. My Administration looks forward to working with the 
Congress in developing appropriate legislation to approve and implement 
this free trade agreement.
                                                      George W. Bush.  
The White House, March 24, 2004.

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