[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   NOTIFICATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S INTENT TO ENTER INTO A FREE TRADE 
     AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC--PM 74

  The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message 
from the President of the United States, together with an accompanying 
report; which was referred to the Committee on Finance:
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 for America's workers, 
farmers, businesses, and consumers 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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