WASHINGTON, DC—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement marking the six-year anniversary since the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) came into effect:
“When Congressional Democrats secured improvements to the USMCA, we insisted on a meaningful review process because we wanted to set trade policy on a new path: one of evolution. The review was designed to ensure this agreement continued to live up to its fullest potential and grow with the needs of our workers and economy.
“USMCA serves as a stabilizing force for North America and is reflective of the will of Congress. That’s how you strengthen competitiveness and deepen cooperation, rather than scoring cheap political points through an illegal tariff scheme and picking needless fights with some of our closest allies.
“As we mark the beginning of the six-year review, now is the time to pursue serious negotiations with our North American partners. Any updates to USMCA should strengthen outcomes for American workers and manufacturers in the same spirit that garnered support from each end of the political spectrum and brought this agreement over the finish line in the first place.
“The American people cannot afford more trade chaos, higher costs, and missed opportunities simply because this Administration mistakes their way for the best way. Let’s do right by the people and follow the review process as outlined over six years ago.”
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