    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [February 20, 2004]
    [Page 248]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Notice of Intention to
    Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement With Costa Rica, El Salvador,
    Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua
    February 20, 2004

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In accordance with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002
    (the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the Congress of my intent to
    enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Governments of Costa
    Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua (hereinafter
    ``Central America'').
        This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade with
    Central America. Our Central American partners have made dramatic
    progress in transitioning from countries wracked by civil war to
    peaceful, democratic societies. This agreement will write a new page of
    our history with Central America--one that depicts sustained engagement
    in support of democracy, peaceful regional integration, economic
    opportunity, and hope. This agreement is part of a broader strategy that
    my Administration is pursuing to expand economic opportunities and to
    promote economic growth and prosperity. We are also moving forward with
    negotiations to integrate the Dominican Republic in our FTA with Central
    America.
        Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Central America
    FTA. My Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to
    develop appropriate legislation to approve and implement an historic
    free trade agreement with Central America.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the
    Senate. The notice is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.