AFBF: Farm Country Receiving Mixed Signals When It Comes To USMCA

With just 20 legislative days left in 2019, the future of USMCA seems unclear.  Add on top of that, conflicting reports from D.C.  House Democrats want more, including a union pension rescue bill as part of USMCA.  Republicans and President Trump say Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have no timeline, and are stalling to deny Trump a ‘win’ as we move into the 2020 Presidential election cycle.

Ag leaders suggest this is all part of intense last-minute bargaining that signals Pelosi will allow the White House to send up a draft USMCA bill, as early as this week.

“I think you’re seeing a lot more messaging, as we, hopefully, are getting toward the end of this negotiating process, between the House Democrats and the U.S. Trade Representative,” said American Farm Bureau Trade Adviser Dave Salmonsen.

He added formalizing the USMCA process now with a draft bill and mock hearings, followed by a final White House bill, could force action, even if its next year amid impeachment and campaigns.

“In the House, they have 60 legislative days to pass it, up to 60 days, and then it goes to the Senate, where they have up to 30 days to vote," said Salmonsen.  "But once the clock starts ticking, after a final implementation bill is sent, it goes to a vote.”

Salmonsen added no one really wants to deal with USMCA next year.  Noting the timeline to address USMCA in 2019 can be compressed and AFBF hopes the trade deal is wrapped up before the New Year.

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