[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 14295]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    UNITED STATES-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT--MESSAGE FROM THE 
          PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 108-199)

  The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following message 
from the President of the United States; which was read and, together 
with the accompanying papers, without objection, referred to the 
Committee on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed:

To the Congress of the United States:
  I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents 
prepared by my Administration to implement the United States-Australia 
Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This Agreement adds an important dimension 
to our bilateral relationship with a steadfast ally in the global 
economic and strategic arena. This FTA will enhance the prosperity of 
the people of the United States and Australia, serve the interest of 
expanding U.S. commerce, and advance our overall national interest.
  My Administration is committed to securing a level playing field and 
creating opportunities for America's workers, farmers, and businesses. 
The United States and Australia already enjoy a strong trade 
relationship. The U.S.-Australia FTA will further open Australia's 
market for U.S. manufactured goods, agricultural products, and 
services, and will promote new growth in our bilateral trade. As soon 
as this FTA enters into force, tariffs will be eliminated on almost all 
manufactured goods traded between our countries, providing significant 
export opportunities for American manufacturers. American farmers will 
also benefit due to the elimination of tariffs on all exports of U.S. 
agricultural products.
  The U.S.-Australia FTA will also benefit small- and medium-sized 
businesses and their employees. Such firms already account for a 
significant amount of bilateral trade. The market opening resulting 
from this Agreement presents opportunities for those firms looking to 
start or enhance participation in global trade.
  In negotiating this FTA, my Administration was guided by the 
negotiating objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002. The 
Agreement's provisions on agriculture represent a balanced response to 
those seeking improved access to Australia's markets, through immediate 
elimination of tariffs on U.S. exports and mechanisms to resolve 
sanitary and phytosanitary issues and facilitate trade between our 
countries, while recognizing the sensitive nature of some U.S. 
agricultural sectors and their possible vulnerability to increased 
imports.
  The U.S.-Australia FTA also reinforces the importance of creativity 
and technology to both of our economies. the Agreement includes rules 
providing for strong protection and enforcement of intellectual 
property rights, promotes the use of electronic commerce, and provides 
for increased cooperation between our agencies on addressing 
anticompetitive practices, financial services, telecommunications, and 
other matters.
  The Agreement memorializes our shared commitment to labor and 
environmental issues. The United States and Australia have worked in 
close cooperation on these issues in the past and will pursue this 
strategy and commitment to cooperation in bilateral and global fora in 
the future.
  With the approval of this Agreement and passage of the implementing 
legislation by the Congress, we will advance U.S. economic, security, 
and political interests, and set an example of the benefits of free 
trade and democracy for the world.
                                                      George W. Bush.  
The White House, July 6, 2004.

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