December 19, 2019

Lou Correa Votes To Pass Democrat-Improved USMCA Trade Deal

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA-46) applauded the passage of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace and improve the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Rep. Correa said, “After months of negotiations, we have a trade agreement that recognizes that trade is more than just moving goods and services. A good trade agreement must also protect American, Canadian, and Mexican workers, protect the environment and protect each respective economy.

“The USMCA represents an enormous victory for all with both business and labor walking away with a big win. After many months of work, I am proud of the improvements House Democrats have made to this trade agreement. The new agreement contains a first-of-its-kind enforcement mechanism with capable enforcement and meaningful penalties to protect American and Mexican workers from abuse and exploitation.

“Additionally, the Democrat-revised USMCA also improves enforcement by eliminating the loopholes that allowed states and companies to circumvent and block oversight mechanisms. By establishing the new standard that labor violations are trade-related violations, the USMCA puts added pressure on companies and states to act in the best interests of their employees.

“The USMCA is also a win for our businesses. As every business owner knows, a company without customers isn’t a company for long. The USMCA ensures American businesses have more customers and more opportunities to hire new workers, build new products, and grow their businesses while creating a level playing field for all.

“While this is not a perfect trade deal, it represents an enormous improvement over the status quo. We will continue to work in defense of labor rights and workers here and abroad. When labor prospers, we all prosper. I applaud Speaker Pelosi, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for their dedication and hard work on behalf of American workers and businesses. It’s time for all Americans to start sharing in the new prosperity now!”

Rep. Lou Correa represents California’s 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here.

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