    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 28, 2005]
    [Page 1280]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Passage of the Dominican Republic-
    Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement
    July 28, 2005

        I am proud that the House of Representatives has acted to advance
    America's economic and national security interests by passing the CAFTA-
    DR agreement. CAFTA helps ensure that free trade is fair trade. By
    lowering trade barriers to American goods in Central American markets to
    a level now enjoyed by their goods in the U.S., this agreement will
    level the playing field and help American workers, farmers, and small
    businesses. The agreement is more than a trade bill; it is a commitment
    of freedom-loving nations to advance peace and prosperity throughout the
    Western Hemisphere. We have a moral obligation and a vital national
    security interest in helping the democracies of Central America and the
    Dominican Republic succeed, and CAFTA furthers that goal. I look forward
    to signing this important legislation into law.