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Hispanic Free Trade Breakfast 4/8/91 [OA 6031]
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Hispanic Free Trade Breakfast 4/8/91 [OA 6031]
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Grant/Dooley
91 MAR 3 Pl: 02
April 1, 1991
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Grant/Dooley
April 4, 1991
Draft eight
11:55 a.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
8 a.m.
( (Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Now, I'm
asking for your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to support our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. Fast track is a way of assuring
our trading counterparts that the agreements they reach at the
bargaining table with our negotiators will be the same ones
reviewed by our Congress.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject trade agreements. But it does prevent llth-hour changes
to agreements we have reached, changes that force everyone
involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track authority to pursue vital trade
objectives -- the North American Free Trade Agreement, the
Uruguay Round and the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If
we lose our fast track authority, we lose any hope of achieving
2
these three agreements. We lose trade. We lose jobs and
jeopardize economic growth.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- prosperity at home -- growth in other
lands. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the
world economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon to the Yucatan. Think of it: The
North American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our
largest trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner,
Mexico. It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth
-- 360 million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion
in output a year.
A unified North American market would let each of our
countries build on our strengths. It would provide more and
better jobs for U.S. workers. It would stimulate price
competition, lower consumer prices, improve product quality. The
agreement would make necessities such as food and clothing more
affordable, and more available to our poorest citizens. It would
raise productivity and produce a higher standard of living
throughout the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $4.9 billion trade
deficit with Mexico. Since then, we have cut that deficit by
two-thirds, to $1.8 billion. This turnaround took place in part
because Mexican President Carlos Salinas believes in free trade.
He has slashed tariff rates for some goods from 100 percent to 10
percent. One result: Our exports to Mexico have increased 130
percent in the past four years. This export boom has created
more than 300,000 new jobs in the United States. And each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 85 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One
member of Congress the other day expressed his concern "that our
trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the impact of this
agreement on American jobs, American companies, and American
exports." Other members of Congress say they worry about wage
rates, environmental quality, and health and safety issues. ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about those concerns. We've already seen what
the reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports.
A free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders. And
everybody -- businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -
- reaps the benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery because it was polluting the air. I believe
that President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its
people, and that he means business when he says he wants to clean
up Mexico's air and water.
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. As our trade with Mexico has grown, so have the wages of
5
Mexican workers. Indeed, Mexican wages have risen very quickly
in recent years, with no tangible impact on American pay scales.
That being the case, someone ought to ask the opponents of fast
track why they oppose prosperity in Mexico. Someone should ask
why they oppose letting our neighbors enjoy the benefits of
progress. Ask them what is wrong with increased productivity
throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. A
free-trade pact would encourage investment, create jobs, lift
wages and give talented Mexican citizens opportunities they don't
enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn, means a stronger United
States, and a stronger North American alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been. a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
The vote on fast-track really is a vote on what kind of
America we want to build. A "yes" vote expresses confidence in
American know-how and ingenuity. It says we believe in
ourselves.
6
Indeed, as we prepare to join a world linked primarily by
economic / not military / competition, we have nothing to fear
but the fear-mongers themselves. // They seem to be the only ones
who haven't learned lately that defeatism produces defeat, while
confidence and self-reliance produce greatness.
We must seize the opportunities that the new world economy
offers us. With your help, I know we will. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
April WASHINGTON 31 APR 8 A9:42 42
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks for the Hispanic Free Trade
Breakfast
As requested, we have reviewed the attached Presidential
remarks for the Hispanic Free Trade breakfast and have
indicated comments on pages one and two of the attached draft.
Attachment
c: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1991 - 2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those efforts. agreements. We lose
1
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth-in To other Tands prosperity at
both here
and in other lands
home It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 3 P2.
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE NI
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
N/C
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 195APR - 2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your review are draft remarks for the breakfast
meeting with Hispanic business leaders from the Houston
community, to be held at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 1991 at
the Houstonian. You will address an audience of about 200.
II. DISCUSSION
In your remarks (12 minutes/cards), you make the case for
extension of fast track authority, and answer the critics'
concerns about it and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1991
Draft seven
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
8 a.m.
(Acknowledgements) )
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Now, I'm
asking for your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to support our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. Fast track is a way of assuring
our trading counterparts that the agreements they reach at the
bargaining table with our negotiators will be the same ones
reviewed by our Congress.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject trade agreenments. But it does prevent 11th-hour changes
to agreements we have reached, changes that force everyone
involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track authority to pursue vital trade
objectives -- the North American Free Trade Agreement, the
Uruguay Round and the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If
we lose our fast track authority, we lose any hope of achieving
2
these three agreements. We lose trade. We lose jobs and
jeopardize economic growth.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- prosperity at home -- growth in other
lands. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the
world economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon to the Yucatan. Think of it: The
North American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our
largest trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner,
Mexico. It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth
-- 360 million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion
in output a year.
A unified North American market would let each of our
countries build on our strengths. It would provide more and
better jobs for U.S. workers. It would stimulate price
competition, lower consumer prices, improve product quality. The
agreement would make necessities such as food and clothing more
affordable, and more available to our poorest citizens. It would
raise productivity and produce a higher standard of living
throughout the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $4.9 billion trade
deficit with Mexico. Since then, we have cut that deficit by
two-thirds, to $1.8 billion. This turnaround took place in part
because Mexican President Carlos Salinas believes in free trade.
He has slashed tariff rates for some goods from 100 percent to 10
percent. One result: Our exports to Mexico have increased 130
percent in the past four years. This export boom has created
more than 300,000 new jobs in the United States, most in the
areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. And each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 85 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One
member of Congress the other day expressed his concern "that our
trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the impact of this
agreement on American jobs, American companies, and American
exports." Other members of Congress say they worry about wage
rates, environmental quality, and health and safety issues. ///
4
I couldn't agree more.
Let's talk about those concerns. We've already seen what
the reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports.
A free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. As our trade with Mexico has grown, so have the wages of
Mexican workers. Indeed, Mexican wages have risen very quickly
in recent years, with no tangible impact on American pay scales.
That being the case, someone ought to ask the opponents of fast
track why they oppose prosperity in Mexico. Someone should ask
why they oppose letting our neighbors enjoy the benefits of
progress. Ask them what is wrong with increased productivity
throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. A
free-trade pact would encourage investment, create jobs, lift
wages and give talented Mexican citizens opportunities they don't
enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn, means a stronger United
States, and a stronger North American alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
6
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in ourselves.
Indeed, as we prepare to join a world linked primarily by
economic / not military / competition, we have nothing to fear
but the fear-mongers themselves. // They seem to be the only ones
who haven't learned lately that defeatism produces defeat, while
confidence and self-reliance produce greatness.
We must seize the opportunities that the new world economy
offers us. With your help, I know we will. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 APR -3 PM 7:29
April 3, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your review are draft remarks for the breakfast
meeting with Hispanic business leaders from the Houston
community, to be held at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 1991 at
the Houstonian. You will address an audience of about 200.
II. DISCUSSION
SIn your remarks (12 minutes/cards), you make the case for
extension of fast track authority, and answer the critics'
concerns about it and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1991
Draft seven
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
8 a.m.
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Now, I'm
asking for your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to support our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. Fast track is a way of assuring
our trading counterparts that the agreements they reach at the
bargaining table with our negotiators will be the same ones
reviewed by our Congress.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject trade agreenments. But it does prevent 11th-hour changes
to agreements we have reached, changes that force everyone
involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track authority to pursue vital trade
objectives -- the North American Free Trade Agreement, the
Uruguay Round and the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If
we lose our fast track authority, we lose any hope of achieving
2
these three agreements. We lose trade. We lose jobs and
jeopardize economic growth.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- prosperity at home -- growth in other
lands. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the
world economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon to the Yucatan. Think of it: The
North American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our
largest trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner,
Mexico. It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth
-- 360 million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion
in output a year.
A unified North American market would let each of our
countries build on our strengths. It would provide more and
better jobs for U.S. workers. It would stimulate price
competition, lower consumer prices, improve product quality. The
agreement would make necessities such as food and clothing more
affordable, and more available to our poorest citizens. It would
raise productivity and produce a higher standard of living
throughout the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $4.9 billion trade
deficit with Mexico. Since then, we have cut that deficit by
two-thirds, to $1.8 billion. This turnaround took place in part
because Mexican President Carlos Salinas believes in free trade.
He has slashed tariff rates for some goods from 100 percent to 10
percent. One result: Our exports to Mexico have increased 130
percent in the past four years. This export boom has created
more than 300,000 new jobs in the United States, most in the
areas of design, manufacturing and engineering And each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 85 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One
member of Congress the other day expressed his concern "that our
trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the impact of this
agreement on American jobs, American companies, and American
exports." Other members of Congress say they worry about wage
rates, environmental quality, and health and safety issues. ///
4
I couldn't agree more.
Let's talk about those concerns. We've already seen what
the reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports.
A free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
BECAUSE it WAS polating
MARK
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. As our trade with Mexico has grown, so have the wages of
Mexican workers. Indeed, Mexican wages have risen very quickly
in recent years, with no tangible impact on American pay scales.
That being the case, someone ought to ask the opponents of fast
track why they oppose prosperity in Mexico. Someone should ask
why they oppose letting our neighbors enjoy the benefits of
progress. Ask them what is wrong with increased productivity
throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. A
free-trade pact would encourage investment, create jobs, lift
wages and give talented Mexican citizens opportunities they don't
enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn, means a stronger United
States, and a stronger North American alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
The vote on fast-track -and on the trade agreements
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
6
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in ourselves.
Indeed, as we prepare to join a world linked primarily by
economic / not military / competition, we have nothing to fear
but the fear-mongers themselves. // They seem to be the only ones
who haven't learned lately that defeatism produces defeat, while
confidence and self-reliance produce greatness.
We must seize the opportunities that the new world economy
offers us. With your help, I know we will. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Research changes
Page 3
Let me illustrate
Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $4.9 billion trade
deficit with Mexico. Since then, we have cut that deficit by
two-thirds, to $1.8 billion. This turnaround took place because
Mexican President Carlos Salinas believes in free trade. He has
slashed tariff rates for some goods from 100 percent to 10
percent. As a result, our exports to Mexico have increased 130
percent in the past four years. That export boom has created
300,000 new jobs in the United States
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 85 million consumers who want to buy our
goods.
new language is underlined
Document No. 225667SS
91 MAR 4 AIOWHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., . Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
substations AA
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
N.B.
Put times
not rubers draft
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1991 E2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to support extend our "fast track"
Fast track means
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
our trading
negotiators assureytheir their counterparts that agreements they reach
with our regotiators
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
by ow Congress.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
But it does
1Ha hom changes to
reject treaties, avoids It just prevents changing agreements we have already
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, If we lose our fast
any hope of achieving
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
We lose jobs and jeopardye economic growth.
trade. And We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
nove
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we 're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear growth in other lands prosperity here at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
Think
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
import
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. one As a result ^ our the doubling
of this has been
just
06
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
member of
that his
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
Others cite wase rates, environmental quality, and health
and safety issues.
4
well let's
those
Let's talk about -his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
consality
dies actually ?
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
--- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented A economic growth and regional harmony, and yes, competition. healthy
in support of
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ourselves. It says we
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico S ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. # Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. XÀ
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
are the
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We must
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
I know we will.
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagoques of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE
STAFFING.MEMORANDUM P2:17
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
see comments. Thanks,
Helly Williamson
4-3-91
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Tomg-se note that commentrons
I that about. have the Depts. many the thanks. felt HW
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 195APR -2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
VISTR
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
USTR
trade agreements.
reject/treaties.
It just prevents changing agreements we have
(thestanties) are
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
not
We need fast track authority now to pursue vital trade pasts
objectives bj (or
initiativa) OCA
$
VOCA
the
Treasury
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
(E.A.D.is
not atrack
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
pact.)
objectives (or initiatives).
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements.
We lose
VOCA+
a little Strong ? (OCA)
Treasury
trade.
We surrender our role as a world leader and role model
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
32
Treasury much or as the below.
VOCA & too care about
And 2 we and the people of Mexico with are working
those,
too.
And
we
we're
working
on
them,
a
on them + we 'el step up one efforts to meet each challenge.
delete
step by step plan to resolve each and every challenge
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
both here,
VOCA
things we all hold dear growth in other Tands prosperity/at
and in other sames.
VOCA
home It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
to
economic growth from the Yukon/the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market/would let us all build on Treasury
would allow our countries to
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices and improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
Treasey
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
Careful -
STCT
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
The afford.
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
ability will
come from
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout cheaper
mexican
the continent.
prices.
Note:
The #5 on this pase have some problems. Commerce t
Treasury made changes. USTR said they are working directs m
Peggy Dooley.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
commerce
# 4.9 billion
#
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
That has been cut by 2/3 to 1.8 billion.
Tree. commerct t
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
(no
commerce
reduction
surplus.
ThisAturnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
(28 bit. =
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for total
exports
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
to Mex.:
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
over 300,000 (or has created a substantial number of.)
commerce
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
cannot substantiate
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
Commerc
320,000. 320,
additional billion dollars in exports creates about A20, 000 new jobs
No
direct
magbe say
here in the United States.
evidence
over 300,000.
Treasury
OF these
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico' areas.
55uggt
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
todelete
that
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
part,
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
commune & +Treas.
high-value products.
unnecesses attacht
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One
member of Congress
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
too
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
Commercis
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
thinks
theressimely opponet the
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
still will fendainitely 1 other seme deportmen.) way to Miclene to
keonthat on the
the But this &
perhaps we paymane should
him
Gephart.
4
commerce
Let's talk about those his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
phase out
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs,
VaA
entinaly? That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Vreasury
Invostment flows freely across borders? And everybody -- from VOCA
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
Kreasury
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Kressing
Therecent expansion in trade has helped
Mexico.
A The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico.
As you
ON
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain It
already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunités they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
VOCA
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track authority
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
USTR. * not
say
The vote on fast-track
and
on
the
trade
agreements
do
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
Please
that have been
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
we telling them is
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
togiver fast can still chance tyou have individuagreement to your vote oneach trade USTR (initiative). sumportant distinction.
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers, the Transung
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
*
commerce the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
boathis H.
commerce
We also sap that United becomery just passed
are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
delete Too
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. 11
VOCA
authority North American
Opponents of fast track/and then Free Trade Agreement like
Commerce
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Document No. 225667SS
91 APR 3 P1:25
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 195APR - 2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those efferts. agreements. We lose
a
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
both here
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands prosperity at
and in other lands.
home It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
2412
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 APR 3 P | : P I : 26
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
April 3, 1991
TO:
TONY SNOW
NSC concurs with the attached, as revised.
A
Brent Scowcroft
PHILLIP D. BRADY
CC: Phillip Brady
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
RECEIVED
91 APR 2 P4. 42
I
VbB 3 bl: se
Insert #1
On March 1, I asked Congress to extend for an additional two
years the so-called fast track procedures for approval of trade
agreements. Fast Track authority is one of those Washington buzz
words that mean a lot to those who follow trade issues. But
keeping fast track is also critical to our prosperity as a nation
and our leadership in the global economy.
The Fast track procedures enacted by Congress -- and what I am
seeking to preserve -- provide guarantees essential to successful
trade negotiations: a yea or nay vote by Congress on the
negotiated agreement without any modifications. Without fast
track, we can't assure our negotiating partners that the
agreement reached at the bargaining table will be the agreement
voted on by Congress. If Congress starts modifying what the
Administration negotiates, we would have to negotiate those
changes all over again with the other countries and would never
conclude any trade agreements at all. For that reason, without
fast track our trading partners won't even start trade talks with
us.
Contrary to what some have claimed, fast track does not cut
Congress out of the picture. Fast track procedures require, and
we are committed to, close and continuing consultations with
Congress every step of the way. And Congress has the last word:
if they do not like the agreement we negotiate, they can vote it
down. But denying an extension of fast track denies us a chance
to negotiate any trade agreement at all.
The Uruguay Round of multilateral negotiations, the United States
free trade talks with Mexico, and the Enterprise for the Americas
Initiative all hold immense promise for the future prosperity of
our hemisphere. But to realize the benefits of these
initiatives, we need fast track.
Insert #2
Trade negotiations will play an enormously important role in
determining the shape of the emerging world economic order. Our
credibility and leadership in those talks depend on keeping fast
track. Time after time we have learned that increased trade
helps everybody. I hope that everyone understands the crucial
importance of fast track and will encourage Congress to support
the Administration's request.
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1991PR -2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
Replace
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prévents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon (the to) the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
became it was pollecting rexico City's
an
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
replace insert with
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
#
demagogues of defeat //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:36PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218:# 1
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING OLARD MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Please see suggestions
4/3/91
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:36PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218:# 2
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1968PR -2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today because E want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast, track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
?
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast,track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 : 1:37PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218 3
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
sconemy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth - 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:37PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
20245662181# 4
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:38PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218:# 5
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:38PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218:# 6
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does - yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 4- 3-91 ; 1:39PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218:# 7
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. 11
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
###
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 4 64 A10: 37
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
OKJP
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 195APR 2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements)
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable, and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus.
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does --- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
Document No. 225667SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/2/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: WEDNESDAY 4/3/91 2:00
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, with a copy to this
office. Thank you.
RESPONSE: See comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Grant/Dooley
April 1, 1954PR - 2 PM 1: 13
A:Mextrade / Draft six
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991
TIME?
((Acknowledgements)
Good morning. I've been looking forward to meeting with
you today, because I want to discuss two issues important to us
all: America's ability to compete in the global marketplace and
our ability to negotiate with our trading partners. I've said
many times that the hard work of freedom awaits us. Today, I've
come to ask your help in that challenge.
Last month, I asked Congress to extend our "fast track"
authority in trade negotiations. This mechanism lets our
negotiators assure their counterparts that agreements they reach
at the bargaining table will be the same ones voted on at home.
It makes us good for our word.
Fast-track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject treaties. It just prevents changing agreements we have
reached, and forcing everyone involved to start from scratch.
We need fast track now to pursue vital trade pacts -- the
North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay Round and the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our fast
track authority, we lose all three of those agreements. We lose
trade. We surrender our role as a world leader and role model.
Those who oppose fast track cite a variety of issues --
wage rates, environmental quality, health and safety concerns.
2
We care about those, too. And we're working on them, with a
step-by-step plan to resolve each and every challenge.
Here's the key: A vote against fast-track is a vote against
suntch
things we all hold dear -- growth in other lands -- prosperity at
seally
home. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes in the world
X5178
economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; we don't want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon the to the Yucatan. The North
American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
scully
X5178
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest partner, Mexico.
It would create the largest, richest trade zone on earth -- 360
million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output a year.
A unified North American market would let us all build on
our strengths. It would provide more and better jobs for U.S.
workers. It would stimulate price competition, lower consumer
prices, improve product quality. If you want to talk about a
compelling fairness issue, consider this: The agreement would
make necessities such as food and clothing more affordable and
more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout
the continent.
3
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the fast-track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American
Free Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our
countries. Just four years ago, we had a $91 million trade
Thisis
wrong
deficit with Mexico. Today, we enjoy a $28 billion surplus. we have
a ˢ1. 8.6.11.0n
This turnaround took place because Mexican President Carlos
deficit.
Doisey
Salinas believes in free trade. He has slashed tariff rates for X4594
some goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. As a result, our
exports to Mexico have doubled in the past four years. That
export boom has created 320,000 new jobs in the United States,
most in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Each
additional billion dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs
here in the United States.
Now, I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 80 million consumers who want to buy our
goods. Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and
prospers, it will need even more of the goods we're best at
producing -- computers, manufacturing equipment, high-tech and
high-value products.
Unfortunately, we have a tough fight ahead of us. One of
our Congressional opponents said the other day, "My concern is
that our trade negotiators keep uppermost in their mind the
impact of this agreement on American jobs, American companies,
and American exports." ///
I couldn't agree more.
4
Let's talk about his concerns. We've already seen what the
reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for American exports. A
free-trade agreement would eliminate the remaining tariffs
entirely. That would stimulate exports, create new jobs,
generate wealth and hope on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies. When
trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders.
Investment flows freely across borders. And everybody --
businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers -- reaps the
benefits of growth.
Consider the environment: The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy for improving
environmental quality. Opponents of fast-track and the trade
pacts forget that prosperity offers the surest road to worker
safety, public health and environmental quality.
This Administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Our
E.P.A. is already assisting the Salinas government with its
environmental programs. President Salinas has shown he's serious
about cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to
have catalytic converters and recently by shutting down Mexico's
largest oil refinery for pollution violations. I believe that
President Salinas cares deeply about his nation and its people,
and that he means business when he says he wants to clean up
Mexico's air and water.
5
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. The trade surplus has caused Mexican wages to rise very
quickly over the last few years, and produced no tangible
reduction in American wages. That being the case, someone ought
to ask the opponents of fast track why they oppose prosperity in
Mexico. Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. Ask them what is wrong with
increased productivity throughout the continent.
And ask them what's wrong with a more stable Mexico. As you
know, Mexico is in the midst of a brain drain. It already
graduates more engineers per capita than the U.S. does -- yet
more and more good workers who can't find jobs head for the
border every day. A free-trade pact would encourage investment,
create jobs, lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunites they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in turn,
means a stronger United States, and a stronger North American
alliance.
So you see, we have much to gain from extending fast track
-- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony.
The vote on fast-track -- and on the trade agreements --
really is a vote on what kind of America we want to build. A
"yes" vote expresses confidence in American know-how and
ingenuity. It says we believe in Mexico's ability to adapt to a
level economic playing field. Free and open markets let people
6
pursue their dreams by competing against other dreamers,
entrepreneurs.
As with most good things in life, competition involves risk.
But we always have been a nation of risk-takers, adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an industrial
superpower. We have created technologies and products unlike any
others produced in human history. We have placed the wisdom of
the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
We are the world's largest trader, and we have nothing to
fear but the fear-mongers themselves. //
Opponents of fast track and the Free Trade Agreement like
to focus on envy, suspicion, fear -- sentiments unworthy of us as
a people. They like to pretend that the world has not moved into
a new era of international competition and cooperation. They
seem to be the only ones who haven't learned that defeatism
produces defeat, while confidence and self-reliance produce
greatness.
We stand ready to seize the opportunities that the new world
economy offers us. With your help, I know we can conquer the
demagogues of defeat. //
Thank you for your support, and God bless our great country.
# # #
HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST \ THE HOUSTONIAN
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991 \ 8 A.M.
GOOD MORNING. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO
MEETING WITH YOU TODAY, BECAUSE I WANT TO DISCUSS TWO
ISSUES IMPORTANT TO US ALL: AMERICA'S ABILITY TO
COMPETE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE AND OUR ABILITY TO
NEGOTIATE WITH OUR TRADING PARTNERS. I'VE SAID MANY
TIMES THAT THE HARD WORK OF FREEDOM AWAITS US. Now,
I'M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN THAT CHALLENGE.
- 2 -
LAST MONTH, I ASKED CONGRESS TO SUPPORT OUR "FAST
TRACK" AUTHORITY IN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. FAST TRACK IS
A WAY OF ASSURING OUR TRADING COUNTERPARTS THAT THE
AGREEMENTS THEY REACH AT THE BARGAINING TABLE WITH OUR
NEGOTIATORS WILL BE THE SAME ONES REVIEWED BY OUR
CONGRESS.
FAST-TRACK DOESN'T AFFECT CONGRESS' POWER TO ACCEPT
OR REJECT TRADE AGREEMENTS.
- 3 -
BUT IT DOES PREVENT 11TH-HOUR CHANGES TO AGREEMENTS WE
HAVE REACHED, CHANGES THAT FORCE EVERYONE INVOLVED TO
START FROM SCRATCH.
WE NEED FAST TRACK AUTHORITY TO PURSUE VITAL TRADE
OBJECTIVES -- THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT,
THE URUGUAY ROUND AND THE ENTERPRISE FOR THE AMERICAS
INITIATIVE. IF WE LOSE OUR FAST TRACK AUTHORITY, WE
LOSE ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING THESE THREE AGREEMENTS.
- 4 -
WE LOSE TRADE. WE LOSE JOBS AND JEOPARDIZE ECONOMIC
GROWTH.
HERE'S THE KEY: A VOTE AGAINST FAST-TRACK IS A
VOTE AGAINST THINGS WE ALL HOLD DEAR -- PROSPERITY AT
HOME -- GROWTH IN OTHER LANDS. IT IGNORES THE DRAMATIC
AND WONDERFUL CHANGES IN THE WORLD ECONOMY.
WE WANT TO PLAY A LEADING ROLE IN THAT EMERGING,
EXCITING WORLD; WE DON'T WANT TO HIDE FROM IT.
- 5 -
WE WANT TO JOIN IN THE THRILLING BUSINESS OF
INNOVATION; WE DON'T WANT TO CHAIN PEOPLE TO OUTMODED
TECHNOLOGIES AND IDEAS.
RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY
AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM THE Yukon TO THE YUCATAN.
THINK OF IT: THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
WOULD LINK US WITH OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, CANADA,
AND OUR THIRD-LARGEST PARTNER, MEXICO.
- 6 -
IT WOULD CREATE THE LARGEST, RICHEST TRADE ZONE ON
EARTH -- 360 MILLION CONSUMERS IN A MARKET THAT
GENERATES $6 TRILLION IN OUTPUT A YEAR.
A UNIFIED NORTH AMERICAN MARKET WOULD LET EACH OF
OUR COUNTRIES BUILD ON OUR STRENGTHS. IT WOULD PROVIDE
MORE AND BETTER JOBS FOR U.S. WORKERS. IT WOULD
STIMULATE PRICE COMPETITION, LOWER CONSUMER PRICES,
IMPROVE PRODUCT QUALITY.
- 7 -
THE AGREEMENT WOULD MAKE NECESSITIES SUCH AS FOOD AND
CLOTHING MORE AFFORDABLE, AND MORE AVAILABLE TO OUR
POOREST CITIZENS. IT WOULD RAISE PRODUCTIVITY AND
PRODUCE A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING THROUGHOUT THE
CONTINENT.
LET ME ILLUSTRATE THE STAKES INVOLVED IN THE FAST-
TRACK DEBATE BY DISCUSSING THE MEXICAN COMPONENT OF THE
NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT. TRADE WITH MEXICO
HAS HELPED BOTH OUR COUNTRIES.
- 8 -
JUST FOUR YEARS AGO, WE HAD A $4.9 BILLION TRADE
DEFICIT WITH MEXICO. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE CUT THAT
DEFICIT BY TWO-THIRDS, TO $1.8 BILLION. THIS
TURNAROUND TOOK PLACE IN PART BECAUSE MEXICAN PRESIDENT
CARLOS SALINAS BELIEVES IN FREE TRADE. HE HAS SLASHED
TARIFF RATES FOR SOME GOODS FROM 100 PERCENT TO 10
PERCENT. ONE RESULT: OUR EXPORTS TO MEXICO HAVE
INCREASED 130 PERCENT IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
- 9 -
THIS EXPORT BOOM HAS CREATED MORE THAN 300,000 NEW JOBS
IN THE UNITED STATES, MOST IN THE AREAS OF DESIGN,
MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING. AND EACH ADDITIONAL
BILLION DOLLARS IN EXPORTS CREATES 20,000 NEW JOBS HERE
IN THE UNITED STATES.
Now, I DON'T HAVE TO TELL ANYONE IN THIS ROOM ABOUT
MEXICO'S MARKET POTENTIAL -- 85 MILLION CONSUMERS WHO
WANT TO BUY OUR GOODS.
- 10 -
NOR DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT AS MEXICO GROWS AND
PROSPERS, IT WILL NEED EVEN MORE OF THE GOODS WE'RE
BEST AT PRODUCING -- COMPUTERS, MANUFACTURING
EQUIPMENT, HIGH-TECH AND HIGH-VALUE PRODUCTS.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE A TOUGH FIGHT AHEAD OF US.
ONE MEMBER OF CONGRESS THE OTHER DAY EXPRESSED HIS
CONCERN "THAT OUR TRADE NEGOTIATORS KEEP UPPERMOST IN
THEIR MIND THE IMPACT OF THIS AGREEMENT ON AMERICAN
JOBS, AMERICAN COMPANIES, AND AMERICAN EXPORTS."
- 11 -
OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SAY THEY WORRY ABOUT WAGE
RATES, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AND HEALTH AND SAFETY
ISSUES. ///
I COULDN'T AGREE MORE.
LET'S TALK ABOUT THOSE CONCERNS. WE'VE ALREADY
SEEN WHAT THE REDUCTION IN MEXICAN TARIFFS HAS DONE FOR
AMERICAN EXPORTS. A FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT WOULD
ELIMINATE THE REMAINING TARIFFS ENTIRELY.
- 12 -
THAT WOULD STIMULATE EXPORTS, CREATE NEW JOBS, GENERATE
WEALTH AND HOPE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE IMPACT ON AMERICAN
COMPANIES. WHEN TRADE BARRIERS VANISH, GOODS FLOW
FREELY ACROSS BORDERS. INVESTMENT FLOWS FREELY ACROSS
BORDERS. AND EVERYBODY -- BUSINESSMEN AND WORKERS, TO
FARMERS AND CONSUMERS -- REAPS THE BENEFITS OF GROWTH.
- 13 -
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT: THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE
TRADE AGREEMENT FITS INTO A WINNING STRATEGY FOR
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. OPPONENTS OF FAST-
TRACK AND THE TRADE PACTS FORGET THAT PROSPERITY OFFERS
THE SUREST ROAD TO WORKER SAFETY, PUBLIC HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
THIS ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO ENSURE THAT MEXICAN
ECONOMIC GROWTH GOES HAND IN HAND WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION.
- 14 -
OUR E.P.A. IS ALREADY ASSISTING THE SALINAS GOVERNMENT
WITH ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. PRESIDENT SALINAS HAS
SHOWN HE'S SERIOUS ABOUT CLEANING UP THE ENVIRONMENT
-- BY REQUIRING ALL NEW CARS TO HAVE CATALYTIC
CONVERTERS AND RECENTLY BY SHUTTING DOWN MEXICO'S
LARGEST OIL REFINERY FOR POLLUTION VIOLATIONS. I
BELIEVE THAT PRESIDENT SALINAS CARES DEEPLY ABOUT HIS
NATION AND ITS PEOPLE, AND THAT HE MEANS BUSINESS WHEN
HE SAYS HE WANTS TO CLEAN UP MEXICO'S AIR AND WATER.
- 15 -
FINALLY, CONSIDER THE MATTER OF WORKING CONDITIONS
IN MEXICO. As OUR TRADE WITH MEXICO HAS GROWN, SO HAVE
THE WAGES OF MEXICAN WORKERS. INDEED, MEXICAN WAGES
HAVE RISEN VERY QUICKLY IN RECENT YEARS, WITH NO
TANGIBLE IMPACT ON AMERICAN PAY SCALES. THAT BEING THE
CASE, SOMEONE OUGHT TO ASK THE OPPONENTS OF FAST TRACK
WHY THEY OPPOSE PROSPERITY IN MEXICO.
- 16 -
SOMEONE SHOULD ASK WHY THEY OPPOSE LETTING OUR
NEIGHBORS ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF PROGRESS. Ask THEM
WHAT IS WRONG WITH INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY THROUGHOUT
THE CONTINENT.
AND ASK THEM WHAT'S WRONG WITH A MORE STABLE
MEXICO. A FREE-TRADE PACT WOULD ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT,
CREATE JOBS, LIFT WAGES AND GIVE TALENTED MEXICAN
CITIZENS OPPORTUNITIES THEY DON'T ENJOY TODAY.
- 17 -
A STRONGER MEXICO, IN TURN, MEANS A STRONGER UNITED
STATES, AND A STRONGER NORTH AMERICAN ALLIANCE.
So YOU SEE, WE HAVE MUCH TO GAIN FROM EXTENDING
FAST TRACK -- A NEW ERA OF OPEN, FREE AND FAIR TRADE
-- A FUTURE OF UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND
REGIONAL HARMONY.
As WITH MOST GOOD THINGS IN LIFE, COMPETITION
INVOLVES RISK. BUT WE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN A NATION OF
RISK-TAKERS, ADVENTURERS.
- 18 -
OUR FOREFATHERS TRANSFORMED A ROUGH WILDERNESS INTO AN
INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER. WE HAVE CREATED TECHNOLOGIES
AND PRODUCTS UNLIKE ANY OTHERS PRODUCED IN HUMAN
HISTORY. WE HAVE PLACED THE WISDOM OF THE AGES WITHIN
REACH OF ANYONE WHO CAN OPERATE A COMPUTER.
- 19 -
THE VOTE ON FAST-TRACK -- AND ON THE TRADE
AGREEMENTS -- REALLY IS A VOTE ON WHAT KIND OF AMERICA
WE WANT TO BUILD. A "YES" VOTE EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN
AMERICAN KNOW-HOW AND INGENUITY. IT SAYS WE BELIEVE IN
OURSELVES.
INDEED, AS WE PREPARE TO JOIN A WORLD LINKED
PRIMARILY BY ECONOMIC / NOT MILITARY / COMPETITION, WE
HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR BUT THE FEAR-MONGERS THEMSELVES.
//
40
- 20 -
THEY SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVEN'T LEARNED
LATELY THAT DEFEATISM PRODUCES DEFEAT, WHILE CONFIDENCE
AND SELF-RELIANCE PRODUCE GREATNESS.
WE MUST SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THE NEW WORLD
ECONOMY OFFERS US. WITH YOUR HELP, I KNOW WE WILL.//
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND GOD BLESS OUR GREAT
COUNTRY.
# # #
HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
THE HOUSTONIAN / MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1991 / 8:15 A.M.
THANK YOU, MIGUEL [MIGUEL SAN JUAN, VICE CHAIRMAN
GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP], AND THANK YOU FOR ALL
YOUR HARD WORK ON BEHALF OF THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE.
AND LIONEL SOSA, THOSE ADS WERE TERRIFIC! THANKS SO
MUCH FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. MY OLD FRIEND, BoB
MOSBACHER, OUR ABLE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, GREAT TO SEE
YOU HERE TODAY.
- 2 -
BoB, MIGUEL, LIONEL, FRIENDS OF THE HOUSTON CHAPTER OF
THE HISPANIC ALLIANCE FOR FREE TRADE, AND ALL THOSE WHO
ARE SUPPORTING FREER TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES
AND OUR NEIGHBORS, GOOD MORNING.
I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING WITH YOU
TODAY, BECAUSE I WANT TO DISCUSS TWO ISSUES IMPORTANT
TO US ALL: AMERICA'S ABILITY TO COMPETE IN THE GLOBAL
MARKETPLACE AND OUR ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE WITH OUR
TRADING PARTNERS.
- 3 -
I'VE SAID MANY TIMES THAT THE HARD WORK OF FREEDOM
AWAITS US. Now, I'M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN THAT
CHALLENGE.
LAST MONTH, I ASKED CONGRESS TO SUPPORT OUR "FAST
TRACK" AUTHORITY IN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. FAST TRACK IS
A WAY OF ASSURING OUR TRADING COUNTERPARTS THAT THE
AGREEMENTS THEY REACH AT THE BARGAINING TABLE WITH OUR
NEGOTIATORS WILL BE THE SAME ONES REVIEWED BY OUR
CONGRESS.
- 4 -
FAST-TRACK DOESN'T AFFECT CONGRESS' POWER To ACCEPT
OR REJECT TRADE AGREEMENTS. BUT IT DOES PREVENT 11TH-
HOUR CHANGES TO AGREEMENTS WE HAVE REACHED, CHANGES
THAT FORCE EVERYONE INVOLVED TO START FROM SCRATCH.
WE NEED FAST TRACK AUTHORITY TO PURSUE VITAL TRADE
OBJECTIVES -- THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT,
THE URUGUAY ROUND AND THE ENTERPRISE FOR THE AMERICAS
INITIATIVE. IF WE LOSE OUR FAST TRACK AUTHORITY, WE
LOSE ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING THESE THREE AGREEMENTS.
- 5 -
WE LOSE TRADE. WE LOSE JOBS AND JEOPARDIZE ECONOMIC
GROWTH.
HERE'S THE KEY: A VOTE AGAINST FAST-TRACK IS A
VOTE AGAINST THINGS WE ALL HOLD DEAR -- PROSPERITY AT
HOME -- GROWTH IN OTHER LANDS. IT IGNORES THE DRAMATIC
AND WONDERFUL CHANGES IN THE WORLD ECONOMY.
WE WANT TO PLAY A LEADING ROLE IN THAT EMERGING,
EXCITING WORLD; WE DON'T WANT TO HIDE FROM IT.
- 6 -
WE WANT TO JOIN IN THE THRILLING BUSINESS OF
INNOVATION; WE DON'T WANT TO CHAIN PEOPLE TO OUTMODED
TECHNOLOGIES AND IDEAS.
RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY
AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM THE YUKON TO THE YUCATAN.
THINK OF IT: THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
WOULD LINK US WITH OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, CANADA,
AND OUR THIRD-LARGEST PARTNER, MEXICO.
- 7 -
IT WOULD CREATE THE LARGEST, RICHEST TRADE ZONE ON
EARTH -- 360 MILLION CONSUMERS IN A MARKET THAT
GENERATES $6 TRILLION IN OUTPUT A YEAR.
A UNIFIED NORTH AMERICAN MARKET WOULD LET EACH OF
OUR COUNTRIES BUILD ON OUR STRENGTHS. IT WOULD PROVIDE
MORE AND BETTER JOBS FOR U.S. WORKERS. IT WOULD
STIMULATE PRICE COMPETITION, LOWER CONSUMER PRICES,
IMPROVE PRODUCT QUALITY.
- 8 -
THE AGREEMENT WOULD MAKE NECESSITIES SUCH AS FOOD AND
CLOTHING MORE AFFORDABLE, AND MORE AVAILABLE TO OUR
POOREST CITIZENS. IT WOULD RAISE PRODUCTIVITY AND
PRODUCE A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING THROUGHOUT THE
CONTINENT.
LET ME ILLUSTRATE THE STAKES INVOLVED IN THE FAST-
TRACK DEBATE BY DISCUSSING THE MEXICAN COMPONENT OF THE
NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT. TRADE WITH MEXICO
HAS HELPED BOTH OUR COUNTRIES.
- 9 -
JUST FOUR YEARS AGO, WE HAD A $4.9 BILLION TRADE
DEFICIT WITH MEXICO. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE CUT THAT
DEFICIT BY TWO-THIRDS, TO $1.8 BILLION. THIS
TURNAROUND TOOK PLACE IN PART BECAUSE MEXICAN PRESIDENT
CARLOS SALINAS BELIEVES IN FREE TRADE. HE HAS SLASHED
TARIFF RATES FOR SOME GOODS FROM 100 PERCENT TO 10
PERCENT. ONE RESULT: OUR EXPORTS To MEXICO HAVE
INCREASED 130 PERCENT IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
- 10 -
THIS EXPORT BOOM HAS CREATED MORE THAN 300,000 NEW JOBS
IN THE UNITED STATES. AND EACH ADDITIONAL BILLION
DOLLARS IN EXPORTS CREATES 20,000 NEW JOBS HERE IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Now, I DON'T HAVE TO TELL ANYONE IN THIS ROOM ABOUT
MEXICO'S MARKET POTENTIAL -- 85 MILLION CONSUMERS WHO
WANT TO BUY OUR GOODS.
- 11 -
NOR DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT AS MEXICO GROWS AND
PROSPERS, IT WILL NEED EVEN MORE OF THE GOODS WE'RE
BEST AT PRODUCING -- COMPUTERS, MANUFACTURING
EQUIPMENT, HIGH-TECH AND HIGH-VALUE PRODUCTS.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE A TOUGH FIGHT AHEAD OF US.
SOME MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE
POTENTIAL IMPACT THAT ANY AGREEMENT MAY HAVE ON
AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN COMPANIES, AND AMERICAN
EXPORTS.
- 12 -
OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SAY THEY WORRY ABOUT WAGE
RATES, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AND HEALTH AND SAFETY
ISSUES. ///
I BELIEVE CONCERN ABOUT THOSE VERY SAME ISSUES IS
THE STRONGEST ARGUMENT FOR SUPPORTING FAST-TRACK.
LET'S TALK ABOUT THOSE CONCERNS. WE'VE ALREADY
SEEN WHAT THE REDUCTION IN MEXICAN TARIFFS HAS DONE FOR
AMERICAN EXPORTS. A FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT WOULD
ELIMINATE THE REMAINING TARIFFS ENTIRELY.
- 13 -
THAT WOULD STIMULATE EXPORTS, CREATE NEW JOBS, GENERATE
WEALTH AND HOPE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE IMPACT ON AMERICAN
COMPANIES. WHEN TRADE BARRIERS VANISH, GOODS FLOW
FREELY ACROSS BORDERS. AND EVERYBODY -- BUSINESSMEN
AND WORKERS, TO FARMERS AND CONSUMERS -- REAPS THE
BENEFITS OF GROWTH.
- 14 -
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT: THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE
TRADE AGREEMENT FITS INTO A WINNING STRATEGY FOR
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. OPPONENTS OF FAST-
TRACK AND THE TRADE PACTS FORGET THAT PROSPERITY OFFERS
THE SUREST ROAD TO WORKER SAFETY, PUBLIC HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
THIS ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO ENSURE THAT MEXICAN
ECONOMIC GROWTH GOES HAND IN HAND WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION.
- 15 -
OUR E.P.A. IS ALREADY ASSISTING THE SALINAS GOVERNMENT
WITH ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. PRESIDENT SALINAS HAS
SHOWN HE'S SERIOUS ABOUT CLEANING UP THE ENVIRONMENT -
- BY REQUIRING ALL NEW CARS TO HAVE CATALYTIC
CONVERTERS AND RECENTLY BY SHUTTING DOWN MEXICO'S
LARGEST OIL REFINERY BECAUSE IT WAS POLLUTING THE AIR.
I BELIEVE THAT PRESIDENT SALINAS CARES DEEPLY ABOUT HIS
NATION AND ITS PEOPLE, AND THAT HE MEANS BUSINESS WHEN
HE SAYS HE WANTS TO CLEAN UP MEXICO'S AIR AND WATER.
- 16 -
FINALLY, CONSIDER THE MATTER OF WORKING CONDITIONS
IN MEXICO. As OUR TRADE WITH MEXICO HAS GROWN, so HAVE
THE WAGES OF MEXICAN WORKERS. INDEED, MEXICAN WAGES
HAVE RISEN VERY QUICKLY IN RECENT YEARS, WITH NO
TANGIBLE IMPACT ON AMERICAN PAY SCALES. THAT BEING THE
CASE, SOMEONE OUGHT TO ASK THE OPPONENTS OF FAST TRACK
WHY THEY OPPOSE PROSPERITY IN MEXICO.
- 17 -
SOMEONE SHOULD ASK WHY THEY OPPOSE LETTING OUR
NEIGHBORS ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF PROGRESS. Ask THEM
WHAT IS WRONG WITH INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY THROUGHOUT
THE CONTINENT.
AND ASK THEM WHAT'S WRONG WITH A MORE STABLE
MEXICO. A FREE-TRADE PACT WOULD ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT,
CREATE JOBS, LIFT WAGES AND GIVE TALENTED MEXICAN
CITIZENS OPPORTUNITIES THEY DON'T ENJOY TODAY.
- 18 -
A STRONGER MEXICO, IN TURN, MEANS A STRONGER UNITED
STATES, AND A STRONGER NORTH AMERICAN ALLIANCE.
So YOU SEE, WE HAVE MUCH To GAIN FROM EXTENDING
FAST TRACK -- A NEW ERA OF OPEN, FREE AND FAIR TRADE
-- A FUTURE OF UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND
REGIONAL HARMONY.
As WITH MOST GOOD THINGS IN LIFE, COMPETITION
INVOLVES RISK. BUT WE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN A NATION OF
RISK-TAKERS, ADVENTURERS.
- 19 -
OUR FOREFATHERS TRANSFORMED A ROUGH WILDERNESS INTO AN
INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER. WE HAVE CREATED TECHNOLOGIES
AND PRODUCTS UNLIKE ANY OTHERS PRODUCED IN HUMAN
HISTORY. WE HAVE PLACED THE WISDOM OF THE AGES WITHIN
REACH OF ANYONE WHO CAN OPERATE A COMPUTER.
THE VOTE ON FAST-TRACK REALLY IS A VOTE ON WHAT
KIND OF AMERICA WE WANT To BUILD. A "YES" VOTE
EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN AMERICAN KNOW-HOW AND
INGENUITY.
- 20 -
IT SAYS WE BELIEVE IN OURSELVES.
INDEED, AS WE PREPARE TO JOIN A WORLD LINKED
PRIMARILY BY ECONOMIC / NOT MILITARY / COMPETITION, WE
HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR BUT THE FEAR-MONGERS THEMSELVES.
// THEY SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVEN'T LEARNED
LATELY THAT DEFEATISM PRODUCES DEFEAT, WHILE CONFIDENCE
AND SELF-RELIANCE PRODUCE GREATNESS.
WE MUST SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THE NEW WORLD
ECONOMY OFFERS US. WITH YOUR HELP, I KNOW WE WILL.//
- 21 -
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND GOD BLESS OUR GREAT
COUNTRY.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Houston, Texas)
For Immediate Release
April 8, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT HISPANIC FREE TRADE BREAKFAST
The Houstonian
Houston, Texas
8:30 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. And Miguel,
thank you for your leadership for the Greater Houston Partnership.
And to all of you who managed to get through security and struggle in
here, why, --- (laughter) -- apologies for the delay, but I'm sure
glad to see you.
You know, these lights are bright. I can see many, many
friendly faces out there, people with whom I've worked for one cause
or another over the years. You have this wonderful way of making a
guy feel at home. So thank you for coming. Lionel Sosa, I love
those ads. They terrific. I believe they're going to be very
effective. And I thank you for your energy and your expertise.
Those are the people that -- also, would thank all of those who are
helping you on this project.
To my old friend, Bob Mosbacher, our able Secretary of
Commerce, I'm glad to see him. He's slightly jet lagged out, having
just returned from Japan on yet another mission to try to encourage
our exports -- a mission in favor of free and fair trade -- something
we must continue to press for, whether it's halfway across the world
or whether it's in relation to our own neighbors to the south. And
Bob is doing a great job, a leadership role in fighting for free
trade, because he knows as I ão, and as all of you do, that the freer
the trade is, the more job opportunities there are for the people of
the United States of America, say nothing of our trading partners.
And so I'm glad to see him back from his mission.
I've been looking forward to this meeting today. We've
had a series of these, as some of you know. Some have attended one
in Washington, then we had one out in California, and now this.
Because I do want to discuss with you two issues that are vitally
important to all of us: America's ability to compete in the global
marketplace and our ability to negotiate with our trading partners.
That's what's at stake right now. I've said many times that the hard
work challenge. of freedom awaits us. And now, I'm asking for your help in that
I love the way that Mexico's very able President Carlos
Salinas talked yesterday about the vision -- the vision of free and
fair trade between the two countries. It's a vision that we share.
Last month, I asked Congress to support this Fast-Track
authority in trade negotiations. You see, Fast-Track is a way of
assuring our trading counterparts that the agreements that they reach
with us at that bargaining table, the one they reach with our
negotiators will be the same ones that Congress has a chance to vote
simply not true.
on, up or down. Some are alleging Congress has no say. And that's
Fast-Track doesn't affect Congress' power to accept or
reject trade agreements. But it does prevent these 11th-hour changes
to agreements that have been hammered out, changes that force
everyone to start all over again.
MORE
- 2 -
We need Fast-Track authority to pursue vital trade
objectives -- the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay
Round and the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. If we lose our
Fast-Track authority, we lose any hope of achieving these three vital
agreements. The North American Free Trade Agreement, the Uruguay
Round, and the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. We lose
trade. We lose jobs. And we jeopardize economic growth.
Here's the key: A vote against Fast-Track is a vote
against things that we all hold dear -- prosperity at home, and
growth in other lands. It ignores the dramatic and wonderful changes
in the world economy.
We want to play a leading role in that emerging, exciting
world; and we don't want to hide from it. We want to join in the
thrilling business of innovation; and we do not want to chain people
to outmoded technologies and ideas.
Right now, we have the chance to expand opportunity and
economic growth from the Yukon to the Yucatan. Think of it. The
North American Free Trade Agreement would link us with our largest
trading partner, Canada, and our third-largest trading partner,
Mexico. It would create the largest, richest trade zone on Earth --
360 million consumers in a market that generates $6 trillion in
output in a single year.
A unified North American market would let each of our
countries build on our own strengths. It would provide more and
better jobs for U.S. workers. Let me repeat that one: It would
provide more and better jobs for U.S. workers. It would stimulate
price competition, lower consumer prices, improve product quality.
The agreement would make necessities such as food and clothing more
affordable, more available to our poorest citizens. It would raise
productivity and produce a higher standard of living throughout the
continent.
Let me illustrate the stakes involved in the Fast-Track
debate by discussing the Mexican component of the North American Free
Trade Agreement. Trade with Mexico has helped both our countries.
Just four years ago, we had a $4.9 billion trade deficit
with Mexico. Since then, we've cut that deficit by two-thirds, to
$1.8 billion. This turnaround took place in part because Mexico's
President believes in free trade. He's slashed tariff rates for some
goods from 100 percent to 10 percent. One result: our exports to
Mexico have increased 130 percent in the past four years.
This export boom has created more than 300,000 new jobs
here in the United States of America. And each additional billion
dollars in exports creates 20,000 new jobs here in the United States.
I don't have to tell anyone in this room about Mexico's
market potential -- 85 million consumers who want to buy our goods.
Nor do I have to tell you that as Mexico grows and prospers, it will
need even more of the goods we're best at producing -- computers,
manufacturing equipment, high-tech and high-value products.
Unfortunately, we've got a tough fight ahead of us. Some
members of Congress are concerned about the potential impact that any
agreement may have on American jobs, American companies, American
exports.
Other members of Congress say that they worry about wage
rates or environmental quality, health and safety issues. I believe
-- I firmly believe that concern about those very same issues is the
strongest argument for support for Fast-Track.
Let me just talk about those concerns. We've already
seen what the reduction in Mexican tariffs has done for our exports
-- American exports to Mexico. A free trade agreement would
eliminate the remaining tariffs entirely. That would stimulate
- 3 -
exports, create new jobs, generate wealth -- and hope, I might add,
on both sides of the border.
Let's take a look at the impact on American companies.
When trade barriers vanish, goods flow freely across borders. And
everybody -- businessmen and workers, to farmers and consumers --
reaps the benefits of growth.
Consider the environment. The North American Free Trade
Agreement fits into a winning strategy of improving environmental
quality. Opponents of Fast-Track and the trade pacts forget that
prosperity offers the surest road to worker safety, public health
and, indeed, environmental quality.
This administration wants to ensure that Mexican economic
growth goes hand in hand with the environmental protection. Our EPA
is already assisting the Salinas government with its environmental
programs. President Salinas has shown that he's serious about
cleaning up the environment -- by requiring all new cars to have
catalytic converters, and recently, I'm sure all of us noticed with
pride and pleasure the fact that he shut down Mexico's largest oil
refinery because, frankly, it was just too much pollution into the
air. I believe that -- I know that President Salinas cares deeply
about his nation and its people, and that he means business when he
says he wants to clean up Mexico's air and water.
Finally, consider the matter of working conditions in
Mexico. As our trade with Mexico has grown, so have the wages of
Mexican workers. Indeed, Mexican wages have risen very quickly in
recent years, with no tangible impact on America's pay scales. That
being the case, someone ought to ask the opponents of Fast-Track why
they oppose prosperity in Mexico.
Someone should ask why they oppose letting our neighbors
enjoy the benefits of progress. These are our friends. These are
our neighbors. Ask them what's wrong with increased productivity
throughout the whole continent. We benefit when others in this
continent prosper. And ask them what's wrong with a more stable
Mexico. A free-trade pact would encourage investment, would create
jobs, would lift wages and give talented Mexican citizens
opportunities that they don't enjoy today. A stronger Mexico, in
turn, means a stronger United States; it means a stronger North
American alliance.
So, you see, we have much to gain from extending
Fast-Track -- a new era of open, free and fair trade -- a future of
unprecedented economic growth and regional harmony. As with most
good things in life, competition involves risk. But we always have
been a nation of risk-takers, of adventurers.
Our forefathers transformed a rough wilderness into an
industrial superpower. We've created technologies and products
unlike any others produced in human history. We've placed the wisdom
of the ages within reach of anyone who can operate a computer.
The vote on Fast-Track is really a vote on what kind of
America we want to build. A "yes" vote expresses confidence in
American know-how and ingenuity. I say we believe in ourselves.
I want to make clear that this isn't a partisan political
issue. I want to salute those Democratic leaders in the United
States Congress, including our own Senator Lloyd Bentsen, who's a key
player in this debate; and others in the House -- Speaker Foley --
who have the vision to say this is good for the United States and
it's good for Mexico. I'm going to approach this strictly in a
nonpartisan, nonpolitical manner. It is too important to get it
bogged down in partisan politics. I take great pride in the fact
that the relationship between Mexico and the United States has never
been better. But it is my view that we owe the Mexicans the
opportunity that they will get from Fast-Track. And when they get
that opportunity it is going to benefit the United States of America.
- 4 -
And so I will be fighting my heart out to win passage of
this. I was very privileged to receive for the second time in
Houston the able President of Mexico yesterday. He's Going a
first-class job. He's moved that country in ways that some of his
critics would have never dared dream possible. And I think that it
is in our interest now to build on this improved and strengthened
relationship to give them and give ourselves the benefit of free and
fair trade.
So as we join a world that is linked primarily by
economic -- not military -- competition, we have nothing to fear
except the fear-mongers themselves. They seem to be the only ones
who haven't learned lately that defeatism produces defeat, while
confidence and self-reliance produce greatness. We've got to seize
the opportunities that this new world economy offers us. And with
your help, I am absolutely convinced that we will do it.
So once again, thank you for coming. And I pledge to
each and every one of you that this goal is so important to the
United States that it will be priority with me, with Secretary
Mosbacher, with every other member of the Bush administration in
Washington, D.C. We are going to win this fight. But we need your
help. Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
8:45 A.M. CDT