The Senate is hopeful to vote on USMCA Thursday.  After quickly advancing the agreement through required committee approvals, the Senate will consider the agreement ahead of the impeachment trial next week.  However, the Senate is not in session Friday, leaving little time to debate and pass the implementing legislation.

 

Several Northwest lawmakers took to the floor Wednesday calling for passage of the trade deal.  Washington’s Maria Cantwell said continuing to modernize NAFTA is an important step for Washington and the state’s economy.

 

“The important aspects of this deal help us open and get a fair playing field for wheat, and that dairy products are accessed into Canada in a fair way.  And our wine industry, it will increase access to Washington wines into Canada, which is the largest market for Washington wines, buying about ten million a year.”

 

If the Senate does not pass USMCA Thursday, it will move to the back burner, as the impeachment trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday.  For additional USMCA comments from Cantwell, or Oregon senator Ron Wyden, click the links below:

 

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