Congress continues to discuss the USMCA

Negotiations between the Trump administration and a working group of House Democrats on the U.S. ‒ Mexico ‒ Canada Agreement (USMCA) continue. U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer sent a confidential letter addressing the group’s concerns with USMCA provisions on labor, environment, enforcement and prescription drugs. Lighthizer also is scheduled to meet with House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richie Neal (D-MA) who said, “There has been significant progress on two of the four issues Democrats sought to change … discussions continue to go forward.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told CNBC that “Democrats aim to get to a place where they can ratify the trade deal, but still have concerns about enforcing it. We hope we’re on a path to ‘yes.’ The most important issue outstanding is enforceability.”

The USMCA Coalition, of which NAFEM is a member, is organizing meetings on Capitol Hill to impress upon members of congress the urgent need to approve the USMCA. NAFEM members who have discussed the USMCA with their elected officials are encouraged to share their learnings with the Coalition at usmcacoalition@gmail.com.