Microsoft Applauds Final Passage of Trade Promotion Authority

REDMOND, Wash., July 27, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today praised the U.S. Congress for approving Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and giving President Bush increased ability to negotiate new trade agreements that will expand markets for U.S. exports and enhance economic growth at home.

International trade is vital to Microsoft and the U.S. information technology (IT) industry. But the United States has fallen behind the rest of the world in negotiating trade agreements since TPA expired in 1994. Today’s action will allow U.S. technology companies to compete overseas, increase productivity and create new, high-wage jobs.

“Trade Promotion Authority provides the United States with the tools necessary to conclude trade agreements that will ensure global growth and security in the 21st century,”
said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft.
“We applaud Congress for its hard work and determination to get this legislation passed, particularly Representatives Jennifer Dunn, Norm Dicks, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Doc Hastings and George Nethercutt of the Washington State delegation, who voted affirmatively for this bill.”

TPA also strengthens the United States’ ability to expand intellectual property protection, a key concern of the software industry, which loses billions annually to piracy and counterfeiting worldwide. In addition, TPA will provide U.S. trade negotiators with the opportunity to help establish international policies to foster e-commerce and expand access to additional markets for IT services.

Microsoft also congratulated Congress for passing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for U.S. workers as part of the TPA package. Microsoft is committed to providing all U.S. citizens with the tools they need to thrive in the global economy and strongly supports this effort to help workers realize their potential through retraining and assistance.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

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