USMCA discussions continue; signs positive for approval

A nine-person team of Democrats from the U.S. House of Representatives continues to work with the United States Trade Representative on concerns related to the United States ‒ Mexico ‒ Canada Agreement (USMCA). According to Christine Sohar Henter, NAFEM legal counsel, Barnes & Thornburg, the group continues to discuss enforceability of labor and environmental standards, as well as the removal of exclusivity around some pharmaceutical marketing provisions.

Christine also provided her perspective that “the U.S. House of Representatives impeachment inquiry is not likely to delay a congressional vote on the USMCA. Indeed, some say passage of the USMCA is one accomplishment both parties can back.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the USMCA will be approved but has not scheduled a vote. Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would send a letter to U.S. Congressional Democrats promising to implement a recently approved labor law that addresses concerns over Mexican worker rights to hasten ratification of the USMCA.