March 30,2005

Grassley Praises President’s Request to Extend Trade Promotion Authority

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Reporters and Editors
Re: Request for an extension of Trade Promotion Authority
Da: Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today made the following comment on President Bush’s request for an extension of Trade Promotion Authority.

“I’m pleased that President Bush has requested an extension of Trade Promotion Authority.Since the passage of TPA, Congress and the Administration have worked hand-in-hand to craft solid, market-opening agreements for America’s farmers, manufacturers and service workers. Each of these agreements passed the Congress with broad bipartisan support.

“We’re currently in the midst of a number of important trade negotiations that offersignificant economic benefits and the prospect of substantially enhancing America’s ability tocompete in the international marketplace. Extension of Trade Promotion Authority is vital to thesuccessful completion of these negotiations. I’m confident that after reviewing the record on TPAand weighing the potential benefits of these ongoing negotiations, members of Congress will agreethat extending TPA is both necessary and appropriate.”