Bush: Free trade boosts U.S. economy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Free trade policies are essential to boosting the U.S. economy and a critical element of recent economic growth, President George Bush said Thursday.

"I am a big believer in free trade," Bush said during a Washington news conference. "Free trade is essential to the creation of high-paying, quality jobs."

A look at recent economic growth shows "a major portion came as result of exports," he said.

Bush used the news conference to push Congress to pass a free trade agreement with Columbia, saying more than commodities was at stake.

"If Congress rejects" the free trade legislation, "it will sorely affect the national security interests in the United States," Bush said. "I strongly urge that Congress seriously consider the consequences of rejecting this agreement."

Asked whether the United States should revise or reject the North American Free Trade Agreement -- now a 2008 presidential campaign issue -- Bush said the United States ships $380 billion worth of goods to NAFTA partners annually.

"The idea of withdrawing from a trade treaty for political points is not good policy," he said.