August 15, 2019

With U.S. Congressional approval of NAFTA’s replacement pending, the House working group tasked with negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative is making significant progress. Meanwhile, we continue working with business leaders and industry associations to secure support from members of congress across the U.S.

Congressmember Blumenauer (OR) led a three-day, bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico to meet with representatives from the Mexican government and other stakeholders in an effort to expand their understanding of environmental and worker conditions. Blumenauer was joined by Representatives Kind (WI), Sewell (AL), Chu (CA), Beyer (VA), Murphy (FL), Gomez (CA), DeLauro (CT), Vela (TX), and Holding (NC).

The delegation visited Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, and Tijuana. Congressmembers met with President López Obrador, Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy Graciela Marquez, Secretary of Labor Luisa Alcalde, and Secretary of the Environment Victor Manuel Toledo. The delegation also heard about Mexico’s commitments to implementing the worker’s protections needed to comply with USMCA provisions. During the visit to Tijuana, the delegation learned about the North American Development Bank’s work to improve environmental conditions and border infrastructure to address transboundary pollution.

Shortly after the congressional delegation visit, another group of 14 House Democrats submitted a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to bring a vote on USMCA by the end of the year. Representatives urged all parties to engage and ensure bipartisan agreement to restore certainty in the relationship with Mexico and Canada, our biggest trade partners.

Advocating for the ratification of USMCA will be one of the Chamber’s top priorities during our upcoming delegation trip to Washington D.C., where we will convey our region’s support for the trilateral agreement and promote regional infrastructure projects that enhance trade.