[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 9 (Monday, March 1, 2004)]
[Page 263]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Notice of Intention To 
Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement With Costa Rica,
El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala,
and Nicaragua

February 20, 2004

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    In accordance with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002 
(the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the Congress of my intent to 
enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Governments of Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua (hereinafter 
``Central America'').
    This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers, 
farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade with 
Central America. Our Central American partners have made dramatic 
progress in transitioning from countries wracked by civil war to 
peaceful, democratic societies. This agreement will write a new page of 
our history with Central America--one that depicts sustained engagement 
in support of democracy, peaceful regional integration, economic 
opportunity, and hope. This agreement is part of a broader strategy that 
my Administration is pursuing to expand economic opportunities and to 
promote economic growth and prosperity. We are also moving forward with 
negotiations to integrate the Dominican Republic in our FTA with Central 
America.
    Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at 
least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Central America 
FTA. My Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to 
develop appropriate legislation to approve and implement an historic 
free trade agreement with Central America.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the 
Senate. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.