The Trade Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-210) created special procedures for
Congressional approval of trade agreements that make progress in achieving
certain objectives and priorities set out in the Act. The Administration is also
required to satisfy detailed consultation and notification requirements. Under
these special procedures, Congress must act quickly on legislation approving and
implementing such an agreement. Pursuant to section 2102(c) of the Trade Act of
2002, the President is also required to prepare several reports to the Congress
related to new free trade agreements. Among these reports are a United States
Employment Impact Review, Labor Rights Report, and Laws Governing Exploitative
Child Labor Report. The Department of Labor, in consultation with other federal
agencies, has been delegated the responsibility for preparing these three
reports. |