House Democrats and President Donald Trump seemed to finally reach an agreement over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. At a news conference Tuesday morning, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced the agreement on the revised trade deal.
Next, the Trump administration will submit ratified legislation — expected to be signed Tuesday by the three countries — to Congress for the House to actually approve the revised agreement.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said, “USMCA is a big win for American workers and the economy, especially for our farmers and ranchers. The agreement improves virtually every component of the old NAFTA, and the agriculture industry stands to gain significantly. President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer are laying the foundation for a stronger farm economy through USMCA and I thank them for all their hard work and perseverance to get the agreement across the finish line. While I am very encouraged by today’s breakthrough, we must not lose sight – the House and Senate need to work diligently to pass USMCA by Christmas.”
America’s great USMCA Trade Bill is looking good. It will be the best and most important trade deal ever made by the USA. Good for everybody – Farmers, Manufacturers, Energy, Unions – tremendous support. Importantly, we will finally end our Country’s worst Trade Deal, NAFTA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2019
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “We urge members of Congress to swiftly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Agriculture is at a critical crossroads with the downturn in commodity prices, losses from natural disasters and the trade war. This is an opportunity for Congress not only to help U.S. farmers and ranchers turn the corner on trade, but also show that Washington can still get things done on a bipartisan basis.
“Ratification of the USMCA would build on the momentum of the U.S.-Japan agreement, which gave a major boost to American agricultural products in our fourth-largest market, and send a signal that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace.
“We urge Congress to work toward speedy approval. America’s farms and ranches are depending on you.”
