    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 25 (Monday, June 21, 2004)]
    [Pages 1083-1084]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Notice of Intention To Enter Into
    a Free Trade Agreement With Bahrain

    June 15, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:

        Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002,
    (Public Law 107-210; the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the
    Congress of my intent to enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with
    the Government of Bahrain.
        This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade with
    Bahrain. Entering into an FTA with Bahrain will not only strengthen our
    bilateral ties with this important ally, it will also advance my goal of
    a U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) by 2013.
        Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Bahrain FTA. My
    Administration looks forward to

    [[Page 1084]]

    working with the Congress in developing appropriate legislation to
    approve and implement this free trade agreement.
                                                    George W. Bush
     The White House,
     June 15, 2004.