Trump Pressuring Pelosi for USMCA Vote

While the House impeachment hearings got started on Wednesday, Republicans are trying to make the case that the issue is making it difficult to pass USMCA. Speaking Tuesday in New York, President Trump said the existing NAFTA is “disastrous,” even though the agreement made Ag trade virtually tariff-free between the three countries.

Trump says “nervous Nancy (Pelosi)” and other House Democrats are concentrating on “outrageous hoaxes and delusional witch hunts which are going nowhere.” Trump said there is already enough Democrat support in the House of Representatives to pass USMCA, a sentiment shared by Chuck Grassley, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

House Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal said Tuesday that his negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on the USMCA are “progressing.” Neal said that the two of them will continue to talk this week. Neal says a recent trip to Canada to speak with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, couldn’t have gone any better.

Trudeau said “they’ll do what they have to do to get this to the finish line.”

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