Bush: Miami epitomizes trade benefits

Bush: Miami epitomizes trade benefits Citing Miami and South Florida as an example of the benefits of trade agreements with nations in Latin America, President Bush Friday delivered a speech in Miami urging Americans to stay the course of free trade policies.
   Bush came to Miami to deliver what White House officials described as a major speech on U.S. trade policy. He also used the occasion to urge congressional approval for pending free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, and Panama.
   'I think the case for trade is unmistakable in Miami, and we need to make that case all over the country. I’ve come to a place that has benefited from trade so others around the country can understand it can happen in their areas, as well,' Bush said.
      Bush pointed to the bipartisan support elected officials and other community leaders from Florida have shown for expanded trade, quoting University of Miami president Donna Shalala'a member of the Clinton administration'as saying '”Latin America is up for grabs. We fully recognize that asking the United States Congress to vote on these trade agreements is politically charged. Nonetheless, rejecting these agreements would set back regional U.S. interests for a generation. We must not walk away now.'