U.S. “Can’t Afford” Missing Out On USMCA

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce continues its pressure for Congress to pass USMCA.  In a letter to all House of Representative members, the organization says the U.S. “cannot afford for enactment of USMCA to fall by the wayside.”  The letter coins the term “No Rest Recess,” in calling on lawmakers to pass the agreement, following the current two-week recess.

The Chamber said USMCA is critical to the economic future of the United States because it will preserve and strengthen U.S. trade ties, ensuring farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses continue to have access to the Canadian and Mexican markets.  The future of the agreement rests with House Democrats and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  Wednesday, Pelosi said the House is “making progress” on the agreement.

Pelosi says the USMCA working group submitted its counter-proposal to the White House last week, adding the "the quiet you hear is progress," regarding negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Pelosi has maintained that the House impeachment inquiry will not stall progress on the agreement.

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