Spanberger Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after the announcement that the United States, Mexico, and Canada have reached a deal on the final text of the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA).

“Central Virginia businesses, farms, and manufacturers have waited patiently for this day to arrive. Since coming to the U.S. House, I’ve repeatedly heard business owners and workers describe the clear economic need for expanded export markets in Canada and Mexico. And just last week, I shared their views with Vice President Pence,” said Spanberger. “Today, I’m encouraged that the administration and House negotiators have been able to work out an agreement with all three countries that will bring greater long-term trade stability to the Commonwealth’s economy. Now, we need to focus on receiving implementing legislation from the administration and advancing it to the floor of the U.S. House—and I’ll keep pressing all players involved until that happens.”

Last week, Spanberger joined Vice President Mike Pence and a bipartisan group of her colleagues at the White House to discuss the status of the USMCA and the need to finalize the agreement.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Virginia exported $4.3 billion of goods to Mexico and Canada in 2018.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has long worked to press for final progress on the USMCA and advance the trade priorities of Central Virginia businesses, workers, and producers, including by:

• Meeting directly with administration officials to voice the concerns of Central Virginia farms, businesses, and workers. In a May 2019 meeting with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney, Spanberger discussed the status of ongoing USMCA negotiations and the potential benefits of the USMCA for Virginia’s economy. Additionally, in March 2019, she met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to discuss the status of the USMCA.

• Hearing from Central Virginians about the potential benefits of the USMCA. In October 2019, Spanberger hosted a roundtable on the USMCA and trade with the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners. And during her 2019 Farm Tour, she heard from farmers and agribusinesses about the need to protect critical trade relationships with buyers in Canada and Mexico.

• Pressing her colleagues to make progress on the USMCA. Last month, Spanberger spoke on the floor of the U.S. House to urge House negotiators and the administration to reach a final deal on the USMCA. Click here to watch her speech.

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