On March 20, 2013, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a press release announcing that the U.S. Congress was notified by the Obama Administration of its intent to enter into negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the European Union.

The USTR explains in their press release that "an ambitious, comprehensive, and high-standard agreement could significantly expand trade and investment between the United States and the European Union, generating new business and job opportunities."

In the notification letter sent by the USTR, Acting Representative Demetrios Marantis, to Congress notes that negotiations are intended to begin within three months.

The USTR press release is available online here.

The letter to U.S. congress can be found online here.