    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 23, 2005]
    [Pages 1058-1059]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting Legislation and Supporting
    Documents To Implement the Dominican Republic-Central America-United
    States Free Trade Agreement
    June 23, 2005

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents to
    implement the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free
    Trade Agreement (the ``Agreement''). The Agreement represents an
    historic development in our relations with Central America and the
    Dominican Republic and reflects the commitment of the United States to
    supporting democracy, regional integration, and economic growth and
    opportunity in a region that has transitioned to peaceful, democratic
    societies.
        In negotiating this Agreement, my Administration was guided by the
    objectives

    [[Page 1059]]

    set out in the Trade Act of 2002. Central America and the Dominican
    Republic constitute our second largest export market in Latin America
    and our tenth largest export market in the world. The Agreement will
    create significant new opportunities for American workers, farmers,
    ranchers, and businesses by opening new markets and eliminating
    barriers. United States agricultural exports will obtain better access
    to the millions of consumers in Central America and the Dominican
    Republic.
        Under the Agreement, tariffs on approximately 80 percent of U.S.
    exports will be eliminated immediately. The Agreement will help to level
    the playing field because about 80 percent of Central America's imports
    already enjoy duty-free access to our market. By providing for the
    effective enforcement of labor and environmental laws, combined with
    strong remedies for noncompliance, the Agreement will contribute to
    improved worker rights and high levels of environmental protection in
    Central America and the Dominican Republic.
        By supporting this Agreement, the United States can stand with those
    in the region who stand for democracy and freedom, who are fighting
    corruption and crime, and who support the rule of law. A stable,
    democratic, and growing Central America and Dominican Republic
    strengthens the United States economically and provides greater security
    for our citizens.
        The Agreement is in our national interest, and I urge the Congress
    to approve it expeditiously.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     June 23, 2005.