"I'm pleased to see that Senate Majority Leader Daschle has established a high priority for prompt Senate approval of Trade Promotion Authority.

"From day one, the Bush Administration has made renewing TPA a major part of its economic strategy for American economic security, growth, prosperity, and global leadership. Though we've been able to build momentum behind trade in the past year with the help of Congress, TPA is key to America's ability to negotiate and deliver trade agreements and continue U.S. economic leadership. I urge the Senate to approve TPA when it returns from its recess. TPA has been approved by the House and enjoys broad bipartisan support in the Senate, as demonstrated by the 18-3 vote in the Finance Committee.

"Majority Leader Daschle has called for inclusion of measures such as Trade Adjustment Assistance. The Administration recognizes that effective adjustment assistance must be a key component of America's trade strategy.

"I look forward to working constructively with the Senate Leadership on Trade Promotion Authority to ensure a vote on the Senate floor early in the new session. Another priority we must address is the renewal of recently expired trade preference programs such as the Andean Trade Preference Act and the Generalized System of Preferences, which promote hope and opportunity in developing nations in Latin America, Africa, and around the world."