[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8886--OCT. 9, 2012

Proclamation 8886 of October 9, 2012

50th Anniversary of the Office of the United States Trade Representative

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On October 11, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the Trade
Expansion Act--a landmark piece of legislation that established a
Special Representative for Trade Negotiations who would be tasked with
promoting and securing trade agreements with partner countries around
the world. Fifty years after that historic event, the Office of the
United States Trade Representative (USTR) continues to play a vital role
in advancing trade policy that opens new markets for American exports,
and that creates and supports jobs right here at home.


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Throughout its history, USTR has worked to level the playing field for
American workers and create more opportunities for our businesses to
compete in global markets. The agency has supported America's commitment
to market-based competition and innovation, helping draw good jobs and
growing industries to our shores. USTR has striven to promote stability,
transparency, high standards, and accountability in international trade.
Today, USTR continues to monitor and enforce our existing trade
agreements to ensure trading partners honor their commitments. USTR
successfully secured important improvements to our trade agreements with
Korea, Colombia, and Panama that I proudly signed into law last year.
The agency's efforts to expand trade remain a vital part of my
Administration's strategy for an economy built to last.
On this anniversary, we recognize the dedicated professionals who have
upheld USTR's mission for half a century, and we applaud their ongoing
work to make America the best place in the world to innovate, invest,
work, and build a business.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2012, as
the 50th Anniversary of the Office of the United States Trade
Representative. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that recognize the
Office of the United States Trade Representative for its many
contributions to strengthening American leadership in the global trading
system.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA