United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 89-10:
“Now that USMCA has passed the Congress of the United States with overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in both chambers, a new chapter in U.S. trade policy has begun.
“The USMCA is the first trade agreement that will result in more manufacturing jobs, not fewer. It is the first agreement that contains strong, enforceable labor and environmental standards that will help to level the playing field for American workers. It is the first trade agreement that embraces the promise of the digital economy and enhances America’s competitive advantage in technology and innovation. It is the first agreement with strong, enforceable disciplines against unfair, market distorting subsidies and currency manipulation. And it is the first trade agreement that contains a ‘sunset’ provision that will give future administrations leverage to ensure that, unlike the disaster that was NAFTA, USMCA will never become outdated and out of balance. USMCA is now the new gold standard against which all future trade agreements will be judged.
“I thank Senator Grassley and Senator Wyden for their leadership and counsel throughout this entire effort.
“Mostly I would like to thank President Trump. Were it not for his grit and determination to correct the failed policies of the past, none of this would have been possible. America’s farmers, ranchers, businesses, and workers will benefit from his historic achievement for years to come.”
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