The House Democratic task force on the so-called new NAFTA “has made substantial progress” with U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer on modifications to the tri-national agreement, said the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday. In the same statement, committee chairman Richard Neal said he “particularly stressed the importance of meaningful enforcement mechanisms that ensure the protection of workers in all three nations and of our shared environment” in meeting Canadian leaders on the pact.
“I’m pleased that our neighbors to the north also have a strong desire for an agreement that benefits our economies while also lifting up our people,” said Neal, a Massachusetts Democrat. On Wednesday, Neal and Reps. Suzan DelBene of Washington State, Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, and Drew Ferguson of Georgia met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland in “productive meetings” on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Trudeau’s office said the two sides “discussed progress being made towards the ratification of the new North American Free Trade Agreement and Canada’s efforts to support labor reforms in Mexico.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “We’re on a path to yes, and I think every day brings us closer to agreement” during a session with Bloomberg reporters on Nov. 1. “I’d like to have it done as soon as it’s ready. I wouldn’t rule it out next year. Hopefully we can do it sooner, but I said when it’s ready, we’ll do it.” Democrats say the USMCA needs tougher language on labor, environmental, and pharmaceutical protections as well as strong provisions to ensure the terms of pact are followed.
The USMCA would bring modest gains in U.S. food and agricultural exports, according to an administration analysis. Importantly, it would preserve duty-free access for most U.S. ag exports to Canada and Mexico.