Dems Say USMCA Will Be Ratified, GOP Has Doubts

House Democrats continue to voice optimism a USMCA vote will take place before the end of the year, but leadership is not making any promises.  Republicans have become more vocal in their criticism of the delay.  According to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi labor and enforcement assurances continue to be concerns.

And the Impeachment schedule continues to raise scheduling questions, and force additional delays.  House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy says the Democrats have already gotten what they want.

“The requirements the Democrats have asked for, have now been met.  Those milestones of the steel tariffs. The idea that Mexico would even have a vote in their own senate to change their labor laws, proves there’s an opportunity now to move forward.”

“Mexico’s already ratified it," McCarthy added.  "Canada’s just waiting for us to act.  You’ve got one person in power that controls it all, the Speaker, to call the bill up.  If the bill is called up, it would pass.  It’ll make America stronger, but more importantly, it would make America stronger in the negotiations with China.  But none of that is being done.”

Ways and Means Chair Richard Neal insists there’s “still a ways to go” on USMCA, despite weeks of negotiations with U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, and his reputation for working with Democrats.  But the pre-election-year clock is running out, impeachment and fights between the Speaker and the president are taking a toll, and the best hope now is that both sides will see the political upside of doing something almost apolitical these days, which is helping their constituents.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com