June 12,2003

Grassley to Hold Hearing on Singapore, Chile Trade Agreements

Grassley to Convene Hearing on Singapore, Chile Trade Agreements

Event: Hearing, “The Implementation of U.S. Bilateral Free Trade Agreements With Singapore and Chile”
Date/time: Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at 10 a.m.
Location: 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Description: Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, will convenea hearing on the recently signed free trade agreements between the UnitedStates and Singapore and the United States and Chile. The agreements arethe first Congress will consider under the Trade Promotion Authority lawpassed after the urging of Grassley and others last year. The law reestablished the traditional partnership on trade between the Congress and theexecutive branch. It allows Congress and the Administration to worktogether to open new markets for American exports, set fair rules of conduct for U.S. investors overseas, and help raise the standard of living for millionsof people around the world. Grassley said the hearing will examine thesubstance of the Singapore and Chile free trade agreements to make sure theymeet the needs of America’s workers, farmers, and consumers. Grassley saidit’s important to have the hearing now to ensure congressional considerationas soon as possible.

A witness list will be available later.

-30-