Sánchez: USMCA review needs to deliver for American workers, strengthen our economy

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement for 16 years, triggering an annual review process:

“Trade, supply chains and industries evolve, and our trade agreements should evolve with them. Today’s summit is a good sign that all three countries are ready to review and hopefully strengthen the agreement.

“I recently led my Democratic Ways and Means Committee colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to preserve the trilateral structure of the agreement while pushing for better enforcement and stronger protections for American workers, the environment and our economic security. 

“When I first voted for it, I did so because of the changes House Democrats were able to make to the agreement, including the landmark labor Rapid Response Mechanism in the USMCA. It’s important that the administration works to enhance that review mechanism, address the offshoring of jobs to Mexico and push for new reforms, such as a similar environmental Rapid Response Mechanism.

“I’m hopeful that this review will be able to seriously take on these issues. But I remain concerned that instead of addressing these priorities which would benefit American workers and help level the playing field, President Trump will use it to extract unrelated demands from Canada and Mexico and to enrich himself and his billionaire friends.

“That’s why Congress must have a voice in this review. It’s too important to leave to President Trump alone.”

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