    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [January 15, 2009]
    [Page 1576]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the Malta-United States Taxation
    Convention
    January 15, 2009

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification,
    the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America
    and the Government of Malta for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
    Prevention of Fiscal Evasion With Respect to Taxes on Income, signed on
    August 8, 2008, at Valletta (the ``proposed Convention''). I also
    transmit for the information of the Senate the report of the Department
    of State, which includes an Overview of the proposed Convention.
        The proposed Convention provides for reduced withholding rates on
    cross-border payments of dividends, interest, royalties, and other
    income. The proposed Convention contains a restrictive provision
    designed to prevent ``treaty shopping,'' which is the inappropriate use
    of a tax treaty by third-country residents. The proposed Convention also
    provides for the exchange of information between the competent
    authorities to facilitate the administration of each country's tax laws.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to the proposed Convention and give its advice and consent to
    ratification.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     January 15, 2009.