[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 169 (Thursday, October 24, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6138-S6139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, we are rapidly approaching the 1-year
mark since President Trump and the Prime Minister of Canada and the
President of Mexico signed a new trade agreement to strengthen our
economies.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, will replace NAFTA, the
North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and continue to guide
trade with our northern and southern neighbors in the future.
It is estimated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that the number of
jobs in the United States that have been created directly as a result
of trade with Mexico ranges around the 5 million figure, with another 8
million from binational with Canada, so this is no small matter.
Since NAFTA was enacted in 1994, a lot has changed. The way we
communicate and the way we shop and even go about our daily lives rely
heavily on technology that didn't exist 25 years ago.
Make no mistake--NAFTA has been a huge benefit to our country, and
[[Page S6139]]
Texas has arguably benefited more than any other State. In 2018, Texas
exported nearly $110 billion in goods to Mexico, and we imported $107
billion worth of goods from Mexico.
When you consider actions being taken by China to counter our
interests all over the world, our reliance on North American partners
has become increasingly important. That only underscores the need to
ratify the USMCA and strengthen our trading relationship to ensure we
are not left behind as the global economy continues to evolve.
The USMCA is the most significant update to U.S. trade policy in a
generation and will propel our growing economy into the 21st century.
It takes into account businesses and practices that didn't exist when
NAFTA was created, such as 2-day shipping, online microretailers, and
digital products like eBooks and music. It also requires Canada and
Mexico to raise their de minimis shipment value levels, meaning
additional classes of shipments can enter all three countries with
expedited entry procedures. That is a big win for small and medium-
sized businesses, which often lack the resources to pay customs duties
and taxes.
The USMCA prohibits restrictions on the cross-border movement of
data. It increases goods market access. It supports small businesses.
It boosts digital trade and safeguards intellectual property and
supports agriculture. It also keeps jobs here at home.
In short, this trade agreement is a big win for the American people.
Some even argue that the USMCA is more important than restoring our
normalized trading relationship with China.
Earlier this year, the International Trade Commission provided
insight into what we could expect to see once the USMCA is ratified.
Within 6 years, they say, we are looking at 176,000 new American jobs
and an increase in the gross domestic product by more than $68 billion.
That is a bigger impact than the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade
agreement.
The USMCA is expected to have a positive impact on every industry
sector in the U.S. economy. We can look forward to a more than $43
billion increase in exports and more than $31 billion in imports. That
is great news for North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and
business men and women who will reap the benefits of this agreement.
When I am meeting with my constituents back home or here in
Washington, one of the most common questions I get asked is, ``When is
the USMCA going to pass?''
Mexico has already ratified the agreement, and Canada is waiting for
us to move before acting. The agreement has broad support in the
Senate, and clearly the President is on board as well. So the only
holdup in the entire process is the House of Representatives.
Up until about a month ago, I told my constituents that I thought the
prospects for passage sometime this year were looking pretty good.
House Democrats did have some concerns, but Speaker Pelosi was
reportedly working in good faith with the administration to work
through them. There were indications of progress and productive
conversations with Mexico and Canada to address their concerns as well.
It looked as though we were moving along a path to a deal, but then
the House blew up all plans for a productive year in Congress. They
marched headlong into impeachment and tossed aside important
legislation. Forget working on a trade deal that will benefit every
sector of the economy; House Democrats are too busy conducting secret
hearings in an effort to force the President--someone they despise--out
of office.
Whether they intend to allow the USMCA to receive a vote in the House
is unknown, but I sincerely hope that House Democrats have enough good
sense to avoid blowing up a vital trade deal over political
disagreements with the President. As we all know, the closer you get to
an election, the more challenging legislating actually becomes, and the
clock is ticking away. It is a shame that the House continues to put
politics ahead of good policy that will benefit the entire American
people.
The USMCA is good for the economy, good for business, good for
workers, and it sure is good for Texas. It is time for the House to
quit playing games so we can ratify this trade agreement without
further delay.
I yield the floor.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. PAUL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. PAUL. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Yount). Without objection, it is so
ordered.