[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.