Press Release

Gutierrez Statement on the Completion of the 109th Congress

MAUI, HAWAII—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement commending the Congress for a successful completion of the 109th Congress:

"I commend the Congress for passing a $38 billion tax bill that will help families keep more of their hard-earned money, enable small businesses to grow and succeed and that encourages more research and innovation so that our nation can remain the most competitive in the world.

"Low taxes are a key element of President Bush's pro-growth policies that have strengthened our economy and stimulated the creation of more good jobs and higher wages.

"I also commend the Congress for passing trade legislation that will open markets for U.S. businesses and workers as well as benefit developing nations that are enacting democratic and economic reforms.

"Granting permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam is a critical step to helping American businesses and workers take advantage of the commitments Vietnam has taken to further open its economy to American goods, services and investments. Extending trade preferences to key African and Andean countries, as well as Haiti, will help these aspiring nations grow and enable American companies access to the resources necessary for their competitive edge.

"The Congress is acknowledging that trade is important to maintaining U.S. leadership in the world economy and helping the people of developing nations in their hopes for a brighter future."

Gutierrez is in Hawaii today and yesterday to visit several Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities involved in protecting marine wildlife, as well as to tour the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. He will also travel to Korea, December 12-13, and China, December 13-15, to participate in separate bilateral discussions to promote increased trade ties and expanded access for U.S. exports, and address U.S. trade concerns involving market access and intellectual property rights (IPR) protections.