Kuster Statement on Signing of USMCA Agreement

Statement

Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on President Trump signing the U.S. -- Mexico -- Canada Agreement (USMCA), which she voted in favor of last month. The agreement is the result of extensive renegotiation efforts between the United States, Canada and Mexico to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been in place for over 25 years. In addition to the United States, the Canadian and Mexican governments must sign the agreement in order for it to be enacted.

"I am glad to see Congress and the White House work together in a bipartisan way to get this trade agreement over the finish line. Many Granite State businesses export goods and services to Canada and Mexico, and cross-border trade with our neighbors is crucial to the health and vitality of New Hampshire's economy. The agreement signed today includes provisions to enforce Mexico's labor reforms and safeguard American jobs, more robust rules and accountability mechanisms to protect our natural resources, and improved access to Canadian markets for our dairy farmers.

"House Democrats successfully blocked language in USMCA that would have raised prescription drug costs for Americans, and secured key enforcement provisions to protect American jobs and improve accountability with Mexican labor laws. The agreement that the President provided Congress had insufficient enforcement mechanisms in these key areas, and I was proud to work with my colleagues to fix these problematic aspects of USMCA. While I'm encouraged that the agreement includes improved environmental protections, there is more we can and must do to combat climate change and reduce carbon pollution. I look forward to my continued work to protect our environment, address climate change, and help the Granite State economy thrive."

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