President Donald Trump and House Democrats reached an agreement Tuesday to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), drawing praise from Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania.
Officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico signed an updated version of the trade pact, which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Tuesday in Mexico City. The agreement was originally signed over a year ago, but Democrats sought significant changes.
“Promises made, promises kept,” U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) said. “USMCA is a big win and will further boost America’s strongest economy in half a century. Congress should unlock the benefits of this great trade deal by passing it immediately. Thank you to President Trump for negotiating a replacement for NAFTA that puts American workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses first!”
The new agreement includes provisions aimed at improving the enforcement of worker rights, which may reduce Mexico’s low-wage advantage and push some manufacturing back to the United States. The agreement also seeks to keep prices for biologic drugs down by eliminating a patent provision.
Proponents of the USMCA say that it will help create jobs, boost the economy and support manufacturers, small businesses, and farmers in Pennsylvania and across the United States.
A vote in the U.S. House is expected before Congress adjourns for the year. The Senate will likely vote on the measure in early 2020.
“The #USMCA is a win for the dedicated farmers and workers of PA-13 and across the country,” U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) said in a tweet. “After far too long, it’s time for this commonsense trade deal to come to the House Floor for a vote as soon as possible.”
“I congratulate President @realDonaldTrump and @HouseGOP leadership in reaching a deal on the #USMCA,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) said in a tweet. “The new trade deal is a huge win for Pennsylvania farmers and manufacturers.”
“The #USMCA now looks like it will finally come to the House floor for a vote next week,” Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) tweeted. “This agreement, as negotiated by @realDonaldTrump, is a huge win for America & #PA09.”