    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 1, 1991]
    [Pages 450-451]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 450]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Fast Track Authority Extension and
    the North American Free Trade Agreement
    May 1, 1991

    Dear Mr. Chairman:
        Through the better part of this century, successive Congresses and
    Administrations--Republican and Democratic--have worked to open markets
    and expand American exports. This partnership has resulted in
    unparalleled growth in world trade and huge economic benefits for the
    United States. Opening foreign markets means economic growth and jobs
    for all Americans.
        Historically, the fast track procedures established by the Congress
    have served us well. On March 1, I requested an extension of fast track
    so that we could continue to realize increased economic growth and the
    other benefits of expanded trade. The fast track in no way limits the
    ability of Congress to review any agreement negotiated, including the
    Uruguay Round or a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If
    Congress is not satisfied, it retains the unqualified right to reject
    whatever is negotiated. But refusing to extend the fast track would end
    negotiations before they have even begun and relinquish a critical
    opportunity for future economic growth.
        Initiatives to open markets will enhance the global competitiveness
    of the United States and create new opportunities for American workers,
    American exports, and American economic growth. The Uruguay Round offers
    a vital opportunity to eliminate barriers to our goods, investment,
    services, and ideas. A NAFTA offers an historic opportunity to bring
    together the energies and talents of three great nations, already bound
    by strong ties of family, business, and culture. Prime Minister Mulroney
    and President Salinas are both leaders of great vision. They believe, as
    do I, that a NAFTA would enhance the well-being of our peoples. They are
    ready to move forward with us in this unprecedented enterprise.
        In seeking to expand our economic growth, I am committed to
    achieving a balance that recognizes the need to preserve the
    environment, protect worker safety, and facilitate adjustment. In your
    letter of March 7, you conveyed a number of important Congressional
    concerns about free trade with Mexico. At my direction, Ambassador Hills
    and my Economic Policy Council have undertaken an intensive review of
    our NAFTA objectives and strategy to ensure thorough consideration of
    the economic, labor, and environmental issues raised by you and your
    colleagues. The Administration's response is presented in the attached
    report. Let me emphasize the following:
        First, you have my personal commitment to close bipartisan
    cooperation in the negotiations and beyond. And you have my personal
    assurance that we will take the time necessary to conclude agreements in
    which both the Congress and the Administration can take pride.
        Second, while economic studies show that a free trade agreement
    would create jobs and promote growth in the United States, I know there
    is concern about adjustment in some sectors. These concerns will be
    addressed through provisions in the NAFTA designed to ease the
    transition for import-sensitive industries. In addition, my
    Administration is committed to working with the Congress to ensure that
    there is adequate assistance and effective retraining for dislocated
    workers.
        Third, based on my discussions with President Salinas, I am
    convinced that he is firmly committed to strengthened environmental
    protection, and that there is strong support for this objective among
    the Mexican people. Because economic growth can and should be supported
    by enhanced environmental protection, we will develop and implement an
    expanded program of environmental cooperation in parallel with the free
    trade talks.
        Fourth, President Salinas has also made it clear to me that his
    objective in pursuing free trade is to better the lives of Mexican
    working people. Mexico has strong laws regulating labor standards and
    worker rights. Beyond what Mexico is already doing, we

    [[Page 451]]

    will work through new initiatives to expand U.S.-Mexico labor
    cooperation.
        Thus, our efforts toward economic integration will be complemented
    by expanded programs of cooperation on labor and the environment. The
    catalyst for these efforts is the promise of economic growth that a
    NAFTA can provide, and the key to these efforts is the extension of
    unencumbered fast track procedures.
        There are great challenges ahead. The world is changing
    dramatically, as nations move toward democracy and free markets. The
    United States must continue to open new markets and lead in
    technological innovation, confident that America can and will prevail in
    this new and emerging world. By working together, we can negotiate good
    trade agreements that assure a strong and healthy America as we prepare
    to meet the challenges of the next century.
        Sincerely,

                                                                 George Bush

                        Note: Identical letters were sent to Lloyd Bentsen,
                            chairman of the Senate Finance Committee;
                            Richard A. Gephardt, House majority leader; and
                            Dan Rostenkowski, chairman of the House Ways and
                            Means Committee.