U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) released the following statement after voting for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal negotiated by President Trump to modernize North American trade:
“American farmers, manufacturers, and workers won a historic victory today with passage of USMCA. I’m thrilled to finally cast my vote for this modernized trade agreement, which will keep our economic momentum going, create good jobs, and drive more American-made exports.
“It will open Canada’s market for Hoosier farmers to sell dairy, eggs, and other ag products. It will dismantle trade barriers for our manufacturers and small businesses. And it will level the playing field for American workers.
“With historic tax cuts, regulatory reforms, USMCA, and the upcoming Phase One deal with China, President Trump is delivering on his promise to put our nation on a stronger path. I look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.”
USMCA will replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a modernized, improved set of rules for trade with Canada and Mexico. The new agreement:
- Includes a new chapter on digital trade that sets a global standard to ensure American innovators and e-commerce businesses can compete fairly;
- Expands exports of agricultural commodities, including soybeans, corn, and pork;
- Opens access to the Canadian market for American farmers to sell dairy, poultry, and eggs;
- Streamlines customs procedures in order to reduce inefficiencies and get American products to market faster;
- Levels the playing field for American workers by requiring Mexico to overhaul its labor system; and
- Ensures the U.S. can hold Mexico and Canada accountable through strong enforcement mechanisms.
According to the nonpartisan International Trade Commission, USMCA will create:
- More than $68 billion in new economic activity;
- 176,000 new American jobs;
- $34 billion in new auto plants; and
- 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs.
The House passed H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, by a bipartisan vote of 385 to 41. The bill now heads to the Senate.
