[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 18, 1992]
[Pages 1595-1596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders on the North American Free Trade 
Agreement
September 18, 1992

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    In accordance with section 1103(a)(1) of the Omnibus Trade and 
Competitiveness Act of 1988 (``Act''), I am pleased to notify the House 
of Representatives and the Senate of my intent to enter into a North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the Governments of Mexico and 
Canada.
    This historic agreement represents a comprehensive charter to 
liberalize trade and investment flows on this continent. NAFTA will link 
us to our first- and third-largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, 
respectively, to create one of the world's largest and richest markets, 
with over 360 million consumers and over $6.4 trillion in annual output. 
It will enhance the ability of North American producers to compete in 
world markets, spur economic growth on the continent, expand employment, 
and raise living standards.
    We are at the dawn of a new era. The threat of global nuclear 
warfare is gone. The prolonged Cold War struggle against 
totalitarianism, fought over half a century through immense sacrifices 
by countless American men and women, has ended in freedom's victory.
    Just as America prevailed in the Cold War, we must continue to lead 
the world in the global economy of the next century. Exports are vital 
to the health of the U.S. economy, accounting for 70 percent of our 
economic growth since 1988, and supporting the jobs of more than 7.5 
million Americans. We must continue to expand our exports by 
strengthening our lead in technological innovation, by giving American 
firms and workers the tools to compete and win in international 
competition, and by negotiating effective agreements to open foreign 
markets to U.S. goods and services.
    The NAFTA eliminates tariffs and other barriers to the flow of goods 
and services between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It lifts 
barriers to investment, strengthens the protection of intellectual 
property, and improves upon trade rules that govern our bilateral trade 
relations to ensure that U.S. firms can reap the full rewards of the 
market opportunities NAFTA creates.
    Fifteen months ago, the Congress endorsed the extension of the fast 
track procedures to allow the NAFTA negotiations to proceed. The fast 
track has been a shining example of bipartisan cooperation to enhance 
our Nation's future.
    I am deeply mindful of the commitment I made during the fast track 
debate to achieve a balance in the NAFTA that will not only expand our 
economic growth but also facilitate adjustment for U.S. workers and 
protect the environment.
    While NAFTA will create new, high-wage export-oriented jobs through 
expanded trade, we have a responsibility to ensure that all U.S. 
workers, including those affected by NAFTA, have the skills to compete 
in global markets. Accordingly, last month I proposed a comprehensive 
new Federal job training program for all dislocated U.S. workers, 
including the relatively small number who face adjust- 
ments because of NAFTA. It will be 
funded at $2 billion annually--nearly 
triple the current budget for all of our 
existing worker training and assist-

[[Page 1596]]

ance services.
    I remain equally committed to ensuring that NAFTA improves 
environmental protection. The NAFTA contains unprecedented provisions to 
benefit the environment. In addition, we are moving forward with a 
comprehensive environmental agenda with the Government of Mexico--an 
agenda that NAFTA made possible.
    The trade of a nation reflects its aims and aspirations. The choice 
before us is stark--to retreat into protectionism or move forward to new 
horizons of challenge and opportunity in an expanding global economy. 
Our Nation won the Cold War because of its faith in the abiding power of 
free people, free markets, and free trade in goods and ideas. We must 
continue to lead and to trade, confident of our ideals and principles 
and the ability of American firms and workers to prevail in free and 
fair competition.
    I look forward to working closely with the Congress to develop 
appropriate legislation to approve and implement this historic 
agreement.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. 
                        Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
                        and Dan Quayle, President of the Senate.