Poll: Pass the USMCA

The economic relationship between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is vitally important to the overall success of folks across our nation. In recent years, however, I believe that this relationship was not an equal give-and-take between all three partners, but instead the United States was contributing more than our two neighbors. In an attempt to right this wrong, President Trump has negotiated the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). 

Opponents of the USMCA believe that this is, at best, a slight improvement upon the (NAFTA) at a slightly higher cost - while it does not raise tariffs, the USMCA also does not open new trading markets to the U.S. as this is simply between our three nations.

Supporters of the USMCA point to the 176,000 new jobs, over $68 billion in new economic growth, and $34 billion in new auto manufacturing investment to the economy of the United States that the agreement is projected to bring, according to the International Trade Commission and the White House. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, over 13,000 jobs in Virginia depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico.

Congress has had the opportunity for months now to vote on this key legislation to improve the American economy, but House Democratic Leadership has not brought the USMCA up for a vote. Recently, there has been increased pressure from the business community as well as from my colleagues in the House to pass the USMCA to support American jobs and workers.

I believe the time is now to pass the USMCA to keep our economy thriving, but I want your thoughts on this issue: