We have been hearing for more than a few months that we should see the United States ? Mexico ? Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed this fall. House Democrats wanted to have a few assurances on labor, environment, and enforcement. The talk of impeachment has clouded this discussion. Many Americans are worried partisan politics will defeat a bi-partisan achievement.
There have been assurances from House Democratic leaders that the trade pact will get done before the year’s end. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA 12th), says, ?I?m optimistic, but we?re not there yet.? It is up to the Speaker when this bill will come to the floor.
House Ways and Means Chair Richard Neal (D-MA 1st) also seems to be positive on the prospects of getting USMCA through the House by Thanksgiving. He also echoed Speaker Pelosi?s statement about the bill having some distance to go. Both Pelosi and Neal are calling for stronger enforcement guarantees. United States Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer has been working with House Democrats to address their concerns and find solutions.
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 23rd) says House Democrats have gotten everything they have asked for.
McCarthy points to the fact that a deal has already been signed by the leaders of all three countries and Mexico has already ratified it. McCarthy accuses Pelosi of being the one person who is holding up a bipartisan trade agreement which, he says, would pass both houses.
The countdown is on to get USMCA done before the United States officially enters the election year. Thanksgiving is the unofficial goal to have this done. The worry is once we enter into the 2020 Presidential election year, there will be little to no cooperation between the White House and the People?s House. If an impeachment proceeding is added into the mix, you can probably expect even less cooperation than that.
