[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.