Bush given right to negotiate trade deals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President George Bush signed legislation yesterday that gave the White House the right to negotiate international trade agreements for the first time in eight years.
Last week, Congress gave final approval to the Trade Promotion Authority bill, or "fast-track", which allows the President to negotiate deals with foreign countries without having to seek approval from Congress. Under the new legislation, Congress will have 90 days to reject or approve any treaties negotiated by the President but will not be able to amend the deals.
Mr Bush said at a White House ceremony: "Trade is an important source of good jobs for our workers, a source of higher growth for our economy. It creates new opportunities for our entrepreneurs. Trade expands choices for America's consumers and raises living standards for our families."
Some analysts claim that without the White House trade authority – denied to President Bill Clinton – other countries would not negotiate seriously with the US because of the fear Congress could change any pact it did not like.
Mr Clinton used the presidential negotiating authority early in his first term to conclude the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico and the Uruguay Round of world trade pacts and push those initiatives through Congress. After fast-track expired in 1994, Mr Clinton was unable to persuade Congress to renew the legislation mainly because of concerns among fellow Democrats about the impact of trade agreements on workers and the environment.
Meanwhile, Mr Bush, 56, was declared to be in "extraordinary health" by doctors after his annual physical examination. The check-up showed Mr Bush's heart and lung capacity to be in the top 1 per cent for men his age.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments