Trade Promotion Authority

On August 6, 2002, President Bush signed the Trade Act of 2002. The Act gives the President Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), under which future international trade agreements will be subject to an up-or-down vote, but not amendment, in Congress.

TPA will promote freer trade by giving other countries confidence that the agreements they negotiate with the United States will not be subject to subsequent renegotiation.

TPA will bring important economic benefits to the United States and its trading partners. This authority will be used to implement trade agreements that will encourage trade and investment, including in environmental goods and services.

Increased trade is a proven strategy for building global prosperity and adding to the momentum of political freedom. Trade is an engine of economic growth. It uses the power of markets to meet the needs of the poor.

History shows that as nations become more prosperous, their citizens will demand, and can afford, a cleaner environment. Greater freedom for commerce across borders eventually leads to greater freedom for citizens within the borders.

Trade gives all nations the hope of sharing in the great economic, and social, and political progress of our age.

The Bush Administration intends to complete ongoing negotiations on Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile and to initiate new negotiations with other trading partners, including Morocco and the governments of Central America. Each of the agreements that qualifies for implementation under TPA will be subject to environmental and labor reviews and will include commitments intended to ensure that trade, environment, and labor policies are mutually supportive.