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| Wilson Lauds Bush Signing of Historic Trade Bill |
August 06, 2002 |
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| Bill will open markets and create jobs for New Mexicans
Albuquerque, NM -Congresswoman Heather Wilson today praised President Bush for signing Trade Promotion Authority into law today, a bill the House of Representatives approved last month that grants the President greater authority to negotiate trade pacts that open markets and create new jobs.
“Free trade means that New Mexico’s businesses, large and small, from manufacturing to information technology and agriculture, will have more opportunity to compete,” said Wilson. “That means growth for local businesses, growth for our economy and better jobs for New Mexicans.”
According to a U.S. Department of Commerce study, New Mexico is among the most export-dependent states in the nation, with an estimated 97,100 jobs reliant on international trade. Export-related jobs tend to be good, high-paying jobs. Wages of workers in these jobs range 13 to 18 percent higher than the national average.
Trade Promotion Authority allows the President to negotiate trade treaties subject only to Congressional approval or disproval. Since this negotiating authority expired in 1994, several nations have participated in trade agreements from which the United States has been excluded.
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