Indeed, other countries are writing the rules of the international trading system as they negotiate without us. Even without the authority, Zoellick said, the United States will resume free trade agreement negotiations with Chile this month, start free trade talks with Singapore and support launching of a new round of negotiations in the World Trade Organization with an emphasis on agriculture. Last week, President Bush spoke to the joint session of Congress about how trade is part of his larger vision of expanding freedom. The cause of freedom rests on more than our ability to defend ourselves and our allies. Freedom is exported every day as we ship goods and products that improve the lives of millions of people.
Free trade brings greater political and personal freedom.
Trade policy is the bridge between the President's international and domestic agendas. As the former governor of a major border state, President Bush has seen that the free exchange of goods and services sparks economic growth, opportunity, dynamism, fresh ideas, and democratic values, both at home and abroad. Frequent, substantive consultation with this Committee is enormously important to me. I look forward to working closely with you. The history books recount the economic, political, and indeed national dangers of a breakdown in America's trade policy.