    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [March 1, 1991]
    [Page 206]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 206]]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Trade Negotiations and
    Agreements and Fast Track Authority Extension
    March 1, 1991

    To the Congress of the United States:
        Pursuant to section 1103(b)(2) of the Omnibus Trade and
    Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418; 102 Stat. 1129), I
    transmit herewith a report that includes my request for the extension of
    fast track procedures for the consideration of implementing legislation
    with respect to trade agreements entered into after May 31, 1991, and
    before June 1, 1993, together with a description of the progress made to
    date in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, the anticipated
    schedule for transmitting such agreements to the Congress, and a
    statement of the reasons supporting my request for an extension of fast
    track procedures.
        The fast track mechanism has played a vital role in U.S. trade
    policy for many years. It strengthens the hand of our trade negotiations
    and preserves the important role of the Congress in the shaping of U.S.
    trade policy. The continued availability of the fast track procedures
    over the next 2 years will ensure that our negotiators can bring to the
    Congress for its consideration trade agreements that will truly enhance
    the ability of the United States to compete internationally.
        At a time when world events have reconfirmed the importance of U.S.
    leadership in multilateral efforts, maintaining fast track is essential
    to our leadership in the global trading system.
        My request reflects my strong desire to continue the partnership
    between the Congress and the executive branch that the fast track
    represents. This partnership is essential if we are successfully to meet
    the world's growing economic challenges into the next century.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    March 1, 1991.