D.C. – President Trump on Wednesday signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“We have replaced a disastrous trade deal,” Trump said at the signing ceremony. “This is something we really put our heart into.”
Both the Senate and House passed the USMCA by wide margins with bipartisan support. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer called the agreement a “bipartisan success,” and said he was “grateful to the leadership of the House” and Democratic and Republican lawmakers for their work. (More at National Review.com)
Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood of 18th CD attended the signing ceremony Wednesday.
“It was an honor to join President Trump this morning for the signing of the USMCA. Trade with Mexico and Canada is vital for Illinois, and USMCA is a win for our farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and workers," LaHood said in a statement. "In central and west-central Illinois, our producers rely on the open market and free flow of goods to remain competitive in the global economy. USMCA maintains that important relationship, provides needed certainty, and will bolster our strong economy.
“Today is a victory for America, and I applaud President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for their efforts to strengthen North American free trade. On top of major wins – like the phase one China deal, Japan agreement, and repeal of WOTUS – USMCA will continue to spur optimism and generate economic growth across Illinois and rural America.”
LaHood said "USMCA is a win for America" because:
- USCMA will:
- Bring over $68 billion in new economic activity
- Add 176,000 new American jobs
- Add 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs
- For the first time, Canada’s markets will be opened for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers to sell their products
- USMCA establishes the United States as a leader on digital trade and sets the standard for future trade agreements with a new digital trade chapter
- Passed over 24 years ago, it was time to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and expand market access for farmers and ranchers
LaHood represents Illinois' diverse 18th CD, centered in Peoria and surrounding rural counties.
