U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after the Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), sending the deal to modernize North American trade to President Trump’s desk for his signature:
“With USMCA nearly across the finish line, American farmers, manufacturers, and workers are another step closer to a historic win. I was thrilled to cast my vote for USMCA last month, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally see it reach President Trump’s desk. This modernized trade agreement will further dismantle trade barriers for manufacturers and farmers, level the playing field for American workers, and keep our nation’s economic momentum going strong.”
USMCA will replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a modernized, improved set of rules for trade with Canada and Mexico. The new agreement:
- Includes a new chapter on digital trade that sets a global standard to ensure American innovators and e-commerce businesses can compete fairly;
- Expands exports of agricultural commodities, including soybeans, corn, and pork;
- Opens access to the Canadian market for American farmers to sell dairy, poultry, and eggs;
- Streamlines customs procedures in order to reduce inefficiencies and get American products to market faster;
- Levels the playing field for American workers by requiring Mexico to overhaul its labor system; and
- Ensures the U.S. can hold Mexico and Canada accountable through strong enforcement mechanisms.
According to the nonpartisan International Trade Commission, USMCA will create:
- More than $68 billion in new economic activity;
- 176,000 new American jobs;
- $34 billion in new auto plants; and
- 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
