    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 24, 2004]
    [Page 442]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Notice of Intention To Enter Into
    a Free Trade Agreement With the Dominican Republic
    March 24, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:
        Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002
    (Public Law 107-210; the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the
    Congress of my intent to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with
    the Government of the Dominican Republic.
        This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers to trade with
    the Dominican Republic, the largest economy in the Caribbean Basin. At
    the same time, it will help bring to the Dominican Republic expanded
    economic freedom and opportunity, and it will provide an opportunity for
    regional stability, democracy, and economic development through closer
    ties of commerce, investment, and friendship.
        Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of entering into an agreement with the
    Dominican Republic. My Administration looks forward to working with the
    Congress in developing appropriate legislation to approve and implement
    this free trade agreement.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     March 24, 2004.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 25. The notice of March 24 is listed in Appendix D at the end of
    this volume.