**GAO-08-59**                      Published: Nov 07, 2007. Publicly Released: Dec 07, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

Congress granted the President Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to negotiate agreements, including free trade agreements (FTA) in 2002. TPA stipulated negotiating objectives and procedural steps for the administration, including consulting with Congress and trade advisory committees. TPA lapsed in July 2007 amidst questions about its use. GAO was asked to review: (1) What FTAs have been pursued under TPA and why? (2) Overall, what is the economic significance of these agreements for the United States? (3) What is the nature of the consultation process for Congress and how well has it worked in practice? (4) What is the nature of the consultation process for trade advisory committees, and how well has it worked in practice? GAO interviewed staff of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the International Trade Commission (ITC), congressional committees with jurisdiction, trade advisory committees, and others, and reviewed USTR documents.

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## Topics

International Affairs

Advisory committeesEconomic policiesExportingForeign governmentsForeign trade agreementsForeign trade policiesImportingInternational organizationsInternational tradeInternational trade regulationInternational trade restrictionInvestments abroadPolicy evaluationProgram managementTrade agreementsTrade policiesTrade regulationTrade negotiations