April 12, 2002 -- On April 4, President George W. Bush addressed a group of business leaders about importance of trade negotiations with other trading nations and how important it is for him to have Trade Promotion Authority. Director of Government Affairs, Mark Nuzzaco, and Government Affairs Representative, Gerrie Benedi represented NPES at the special briefing in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. State Department. President Bush stressed that trade is in the interest of all nations, and is especially important in helping the U.S. economy recover and create more jobs for Americans. He urged the Senate to pass legislation granting him Trade Promotion Authority. “Every day that goes by without the authority is another day we are missing opportunities to help our economy, to help our workers, to help our country, to relate to our friends around the world,” stated the President. Trade Promotion Authority would give the executive branch the right to negotiate trade agreements, while reserving to the Congress final authority to authorize such agreements. Granting trade promotion authority to President Bush would put the United States back in a negotiating position with all trading nations and most importantly put Americans back to work. The President set a deadline of April 22 to bring TPA to the U.S. Senate floor for a vote. The final bill needs to be on President Bush's desk by May 16 to prevent a sudden increase in U.S. tariffs on Andean nations. NPES is an active member of the USTrade Coalition. The coalition supports efforts for new trade agreements and encourages the renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). USTrade promotes trade and investment policies that help raise American and global living standards.