In the News

Hill, Emmer, Womack, Kinzinger cheer House approval of new trade deal

12/23/2019
The Ripon Advance

U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), French Hill (R-AR), Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Steve Womack (R-AR) commended passage on Dec. 19 by the U.S. House of Representatives of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act.

“USMCA sets the stage for billions more in U.S. economic activity and strengthens our hand as we negotiate new trade deals with China, the United Kingdom, and other global partners,” Rep. Hill said following the House’s 385-41 vote of approval.

The legislation, H.R. 5430, which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that has been in effect between the three countries since 1994, now heads to the U.S. Senate for action.

“The passage of the USMCA today is long overdue, but a big win for the American people and our economy,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “Bringing this trade deal into the 21st century will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and innovators a chance to compete in the international market and allowing for better digital trade opportunities.”

The sweeping USMCA also will create 176,000 new jobs in America and produce more than $68 billion in new economic activity, Rep. Kinzinger said.

The USMCA includes enhanced enforcement of intellectual property rights, new rules on digital trade, a separate title addressing small and medium-sized enterprises, and updated vehicle manufacturing rules, according to a bill summary.

Among numerous other provisions, the USMCA also would eliminate Canada’s Class 7 dairy pricing and increase access to the Canadian market, and would improve market access for poultry and wheat producers, according to the summary.

“The USMCA exemplifies a new standard of strength and brings our trade policies into the 21st century,” said Rep. Womack. “By putting America first, we are renewing our trade relationships in a way that will build a more prosperous economy in our state and nation.”

Rep. Emmer noted that after months of delay, he was pleased to finally vote on the bill.

“The administration’s successful negotiation with two of our most significant trade partners presents countless new opportunities for American farmers, producers and manufacturers,” said Rep. Emmer.

The representatives also pointed out the benefits that H.R. 5430 would bring to each of their home states.

In Illinois, for instance, which currently ranks third in the country for exporting agricultural commodities, Rep. Kinzinger said that “the USMCA will provide more certainty through streamlined customs procedures that would reduce inefficiencies and get U.S. products to the market faster.”

Rep. Emmer added that Minnesotans will reap huge benefits from the trade deal, as well.

“This deal modernizes the decades-old rules of trade between our three countries. It makes our agriculture community more competitive [and] provides regulatory clarity to Minnesota’s medical device industry,” said Rep. Emmer. “This is a major win for America.”

In Arkansas, Reps. Womack and Hill said the USMCA modernizes U.S. trade policies with Canada and Mexico, which are their home state’s two top trading partners. Citing a recent report from World Trade Center Arkansas, Rep. Womack’s office noted that each country buys millions of dollars’ worth of Arkansas eggs, poultry, rice, and other products each year.

“Today’s passage of USMCA means more than 100,000 Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers can celebrate this holiday season knowing that increased exports, more jobs, and rising wages are coming in 2020 and beyond,” Rep. Hill said on Dec. 19.

“Although this deal should have been ratified long ago, I am pleased that we are finally one step closer to delivering this win to hardworking Arkansans,” added Rep. Womack. “The Natural State is open for business.”