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Statements on White House, House Democrats Reaching Deal on USMCA
On Tuesday, a deal was reached on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Below are comments from local, regional and national leaders on the deal.
This story will be updated throughout the day, as comments are released.
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This morning, I joined @SpeakerPelosi and @RepRichardNeal to announce that @HouseDemocrats have achieved a #USMCA agreement that will bolster El Paso’s border economy, support our workers, protect the environment, and improve access to affordable prescription drugs. pic.twitter.com/26eNnSNy7n
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 10, 2019
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U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it reached a final deal with the House Democratic Working Group on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to modernize and strengthen the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):
“I look forward to reviewing the agreement, hearing how it will impact Texas, and providing feedback.”
“Based on Texans’ input, my top priorities have been an agreement that reflects our current economy and protects the millions of Texas jobs that rely on trade with our neighbors. Any replacement for NAFTA must reduce trade barriers for Texas farmers, ranchers, producers, and manufacturers. It is especially necessary at a time when Texans are facing headwinds from trade disputes around the world, especially our agricultural producers.”
“As one of the leaders in the U.S. Senate responsible for our nation’s trade policy, I look forward to reviewing the details to ensure it’s in the best interest of Texas producers and consumers.”
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Texas Farm Bureau’s statement on USMCA progress
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TSCRA applauds USMCA deal
Robert McKnight, Jr., president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), issued the following statement after United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced an agreement on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):
“We are pleased that the administration and Speaker Pelosi have reached an agreement that will allow USMCA to move forward. Free trade with our neighbors is absolutely vital for American beef producers as Mexico and Canada purchase almost $2 billion of U.S. beef and beef products each year.
We urge both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to pass USMCA without delay. American farmers and ranchers deserve nothing less, and should begin the new year with the certainty of continued duty-free access to two of our largest export markets.”