News

US House passes USMCA

The US House has voted to approve the revised US Mexico Canada Agreement after months of negotiations. The USMCA was passed on a vote of 385-41.

Representative Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota says the agreement will not only expand trade with Canada and Mexico, but also build momentum with other countries…

“For deals with other nations like China, Vietnam, and so forth so it’s going to be great for our country,” he says. 

Representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois says the USMCA is a strong trade deal with broad support that will benefit farmers.

“The USMCA outlines protections for labor that will make America better prepared to expand opportunities for our workforce,” she says. “It builds on relationships critical to our agricultural markets and it represents the strongest trade enforcement mechanisms our country has ever seen.”

Representative Jackie Walorski of Indiana says this is a big win for President Trump, US Trade Representative Lighthizer, and the US. 

“Our economy is booming thanks to tax cuts and regulatory reforms and now USMCA will keep that momentum going,” she says. “It will put more money in workers pockets and help small businesses thrive.”

Chairman Richard Neal says he hopes the USMCA will serve as a template going forward…

“For the two sides to reach a combination on many of the priorities that expired this year that we will include next year, but also I think as an example when men and women of goodwill can find common ground on an issue that is really important to all members of the American family.” 

The bill will now head to the Senate. The Senate is not expected to vote until after the impeachment trial in January.