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Bush Signs Trade Promotion Bill
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
(12:32 PM ET)
By Sandra Sobieraj
Associated Press Writer

"Five presidents before me had this advantage," Bush said. "But since the authority lapsed in 1994, other nations and regions have pursued trade agreements while America's trade policy was stuck in park."

WASHINGTON -- AP
President Bush signed legislation Tuesday giving U.S. presidents broad authority to negotiate global trade accords, and pledged to use his new powers to boost America's sagging economy.

"Trade expands choices for American consumers and raises living standards for our families," Bush said before signing a bill that restores the trade negotiating, or "fast track", authority that Congress has withheld from the White House since the Clinton administration.

"And now, after eight years, America is back in the business of promoting open trade to build our prosperity and to spur our economic growth," the president said.

Bush signed the bill after a quick trip to Bethesda, Md., for his annual physical. Flashing a thumbs up, Bush said he was "feeling good" after the checkup.

Minutes after the East Room ceremony, Bush boarded Marine One with his two dogs for a trip to Texas. With a quick wave, he was off to his Crawford ranch until Labor Day. His plans include meetings and fund-raising trips during his stay at his 1,600-acre Prairie Chapel Ranch and a visit there by Mexican President Vicente Fox on Aug. 26.
(More: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan