Statements on White House, House Democrats Reaching Deal on USMCA

“This is excellent news for the Borderplex region and all three countries. The Borderplex region is the 4th largest manufacturing hub in North America and a pioneer global trade. This agreement will help us grow our economy, improve our competitiveness, and create new opportunities for economic development. I applaud the bipartisan cooperation used to reach this agreement and strongly urge Congress to ratify the USMCA promptly to keep our economy growing and fortify our region’s position as the gateway of trade for the Americas.”

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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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“Today’s announcement is great news for Texas farmers and ranchers. We urge members of Congress to swiftly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This critical agreement will bolster a U.S. farm economy that is in desperate need of new market opportunities and momentum. It is expected to increase U.S. agricultural exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product. We thank Congressional leaders and Ambassador Lighthizer for their work and efforts to finalize this new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.”

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.”