ExecutiveOrdersEO
NoticeNoticeG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Notice

Notice of Intention To Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement With Panama

President George W. Bush formally notified Congress of his intention to enter into a free trade agreement with Panama, as required by the Trade Act of 2002. The notice was published in the Federal Register to satisfy statutory procedural requirements.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 15803

Key directives

  • Notify Congress of intention to enter into FTA with Panama
  • Publish notice in Federal Register

Timeline

Immediate

  • Congressional notification completed
  • Federal Register publication

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional review period under Trade Act procedures

Long term

  • Potential FTA implementation pending further negotiations and congressional approval

Risks & tensions

  • Statutory compliance notice only—no binding trade policy effect without subsequent implementing legislation
  • Congressional opposition to FTAs was growing in 2007, creating uncertainty about ultimate ratification
Presidential Notice: Notice of Intention To Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement With Panama · Executive Orders