Kuster Votes to Advance U.S. -- Mexico -- Canada Agreement

Statement

Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted to pass bipartisan legislation that would implement the U.S. -- Mexico -- Canada Agreement (USMCA) and modernize our trade relations with two of New Hampshire's largest trading partners. USMCA is the product of extensive renegotiation efforts between the three countries to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been in place for over 25 years.

"I am pleased that House Democrats and the White House were able to find common ground and identify a path to advance this new trade agreement," said Kuster. "Cross border trade is essential to the health of New Hampshire's economy, as so many businesses rely on exporting goods and services to Canada and Mexico. The proposal presented by the White House needed significant changes to protect American workers and Congress' ability to lower the price of prescription drugs. The final agreement importantly includes provisions to enforce Mexico's labor reforms and protect American jobs, stronger rules and accountability mechanisms to safeguard our natural resources, and increased Canadian market access for dairy farmers. Furthermore, House Democrats successfully worked to remove language that would have contributed to higher prescription drug prices by blocking lower-cost generic drugs from coming to market. While we reached agreement on important environmental protection improvements, I would have liked to see more robust language to address climate change and reduce carbon pollution across North America. I will continue to work to advance legislation that takes meaningful action to protect our planet and tackle climate change."

"The fact that we have a new agreement - one that gives workers significantly improved protections for workers - is thanks to the pressure our allies in the House like Rep. Annie Kuster and Rep. Chris Pappas have been able to exert as members of the House's pro-labor majority," said Glenn Brackett, President of NH AFL-CIO. "We are grateful for their work and for Speaker Pelosi's efforts on behalf of working families throughout this process."

"The importance of trade with Canada and Mexico for New England cannot be overstated, and USMCA will be a huge boost for our region's economy," said Jim Brett, New England Council President & CEO. "In 2018 alone, New Hampshire exported just over $1 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico -- $13 billion for our region -- and trade with these two nations supported tens of thousands of jobs in New Hampshire. Whether it's protecting intellectual property, ensuring data can flow across borders, or implementing strong enforcement measures, businesses throughout New England will benefit from USMCA and we are grateful for Representative Kuster's support."

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