Elected officials have made progress on a trade deal, which many hope will set precedent for future agreements.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and House Democrats struck a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today announced ?This is a day we?ve been working for.?
?We were in range for awhile, until we could cross a certain threshold of enforcement for our worker?s rights, environment and prescription drug use,” Speaker Pelosi said.
Speaker Pelosi says House Democrats reached ?a place, which is a far distance from where we started,? thanks in part to House Ways and Committee Chairman Richard Neal.
?There is no question, of course, this trade agreement is much better than NAFTA,” Speaker Pelosi said. “In terms of our work here, it is infinitely better than what was proposed by the Administration.”
U.S. Representative Cindy Axne (D-IA Third District), who has long been an advocate for getting this agreement done, commended commended today?s announcement.
?Farmers have had a tough few years, with a harmful trade war, devastating weather and a RFS being undermined by the EPA. This agreement would provide certainty for farmers and producers by ending the threat of back and forth retaliatory tariffs that this Administration has pursued,? Representative Axne said.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) voiced similar excitement in stating, ?I?m glad a deal has finally been reached.?
?Passage of USMCA will be a significant win for farmers, workers and all Americans,? Senator Grassley said. ?Renegotiating NAFTA was a central campaign promise made by President Trump. He kept his word and Americans will enjoy the many benefits of this upgraded trade deal as a result.?
Farm organizations now call on the House of Representatives for swift passage of USMCA before the Congressional year ends.
