SECRETARY EVANS STATEMENT ON SENATE PASSAGE OF TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY

Washington, DC - Commerce Secretary Don Evans released the following statement today upon the passage of Trade Promotion Authority by the United States Senate:

"I commend the Senate for passing Trade Promotion Authority with such a strong show of support. Trade promotion is good for America, good for the economy and good for the hard-working people of the United States. It is a great example of how much can be accomplished when we work together in a bipartisan manner."

"Now I urge the Senate and the House to quickly work to produce an agreement in conference that affords the President the authority he needs to open markets for American goods, services and investments. Moving quickly to final passage would demonstrate that Congress is serious about restoring America's leadership on trade. Towards that end, it is absolutely critical that both houses of Congress work together to craft a bill that President Bush can sign that sends a strong signal to our prospective trading partners that the U.S. is committed to expanding economic opportunity to all corners of the globe."

---Commerce Secretary Don Evans