[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 198 (Wednesday, December 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H10024-H10025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         USMCA WILL CREATE JOBS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for 
the recent bipartisan deal with Congress to replace NAFTA with a new 
and significantly improved free trade agreement, the USMCA.
  This deal will create jobs, boost our agriculture exports, and grow 
the economy in Kentucky. It is good for our farmers and manufacturers, 
and it will benefit all Americans.
  The USMCA also encourages innovation, opens new markets for our 
farmers, and strengthens enforcement and accountability with our 
trading partners in the global economy.
  Unfortunately, it took far too long for Speaker Pelosi and the House 
Democrats to come to the table and move toward action on an important 
priority to the American people. Their excessive, unfounded focus on 
impeaching the President has created months of needless delay on a vote 
on the USMCA, a vote we continue to await.
  However, it is good news that a deal has finally been reached. It is 
one that will provide our economy with increased stability and 
confidence. But now that we finally have an agreement on a deal 
negotiated by the President over a year ago, Democratic leadership must 
act quickly and bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote. My 
constituents and all Americans deserve no less than a government that 
works for them rather than one that plays political games with our 
economy.
  The need for a modern agreement with our major trading partners has 
been neglected for long enough. We must now do our duty and take a vote 
on the USMCA, which will help us remain competitive in the 21st century 
economy.


       Recognizing Cumberland County Judge Executive John Phelps

  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, 
Cumberland County Judge Executive John Phelps, for his recent selection 
to serve as president of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive 
Association.

[[Page H10025]]

  This prestigious organization serves as the unified voice for county 
judge executives in all of Kentucky's 120 unique counties. Judge Phelps 
will do good work in this role to promote the improvements of county 
governments all across Kentucky.
  In Kentucky, we are fortunate to have strong leaders in our 
courthouses and city halls, many of whom serve cities and counties in 
the First Congressional District. These include leaders like Judge 
Phelps, whose exceptional service and commitment to addressing the 
needs of local government stand out.
  I am excited to see him get started in this important job and know 
that he will be a strong advocate for the many needs of county 
governments. His service will benefit not only Cumberland County and 
south central Kentucky, but also the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a 
whole.
  I am honored to recognize Judge John Phelps, whose distinguished 
record of service in Cumberland County and his many private-sector 
accomplishments in the real estate business will serve him well in this 
new role.

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