Supporters of the United States ? Mexico ? Canada Agreement (USMCA) have been waiting, rather impatiently, for word the pact was finally going to move through the House of Representatives. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats had been wanting assurances on labor, especially as it pertains to Mexico. Also, they were looking for enforcement language and environmental improvements. After months of waiting, it seems we may be very close to seeing some movement.
Speaker Pelosi has said she feels a deal with the White House to get legislation to move USMCA is ?imminent.?
Republicans in both Houses have charged the Democrats of political wrangling over USMCA. Statements have been made that Speaker Pelosi was holding it up to intentionally deny President Trump a political win. Now, as impeachment talk has the climate on the Hill at a fever pitch, many USMCA supporters thought the chances of it moving were even slimmer.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley was concerned the bill would be hung up in the Senate if the House also impeached President Trump. A Senate trial would bring all other Senate business to a screeching halt until completed. Many political analysts have said Democrats would stand to lose much more than they could hope to gain by stalling the progress of a USMCA agreement which has already been ratified by Mexico.
For the first time, Pelosi gave a rough timetable for USMCA. She said she was committed to getting it done by the end of the year.
This first mention of a timetable is the best news supporters have had in over a year.
Earlier this week, Senator Grassley said he was confident the Senate could pass the trade deal in one day if they could just see it move in the House.
