Even While In Recess, Congress And The Trump Administration Continue Work On USMCA

Despite being in the middle of a congressional recess, last week lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives continued to work with top Trump administration officials to hammer out a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

At a press conference on Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Democrats are “making progress” on USMCA. “We’re on a path to yes.” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also expressed optimism. In comments last week he noted the administration’s willingness to work with Democrats, arguing “This should be a bipartisan bill… It should be something where there are wins for the president and there are wins for the Speaker and for the Democrats.”

As Connecting the Dots has noted previously, manufacturing and metals companies and stakeholders are invited to show support for the USMCA by clicking here to sign onto a letter written by the USMCA Coalition to Congress urging passage of the agreement. Interested parties can add their company’s or organization’s name until Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. EDT.

The Mexican government also is continuing its efforts to reassure U.S. lawmakers about that country’s ability to comply with the deal. According to Politico, the government has explained how it has allocated enough money in its budget to implement its labor reforms required under the trade pact. Politico also reported House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) will lead a congressional delegation to Mexico this week to further discuss Mexico’s labor enforcement budget.

Individuals interested in supporting the USMCA can use this portal from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to send a message to their member of Congress.