[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 207 (Monday, December 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2019

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the United 
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement also known as USMCA or NAFTA 2.0.
  Due to Speaker Pelosi and the negotiators' tireless work, this USMCA 
is better than the current NAFTA and what the Trump Administration 
presented in the original agreement. USMCA will establish labor 
specific enforcement measures and an independent review body to ensure 
that Mexico is complying with labor obligations.
  However, after careful consideration, I will vote NO on the passage 
of USMCA.
  I am disappointed by the lack of strong environmental protections. 
Our planet is feeling the effects of climate change every day, and the 
lack of strong environmental protections is something I cannot abide.
  What's more, USMCA does not contain any binding climate standards. In 
fact, the deal barely mentions climate change at all.
  Finally, USMCA supports dirty fossil fuels, allows oil and gas 
corporations to run rampant, and fails to address toxic pollution.
  This is a shame in a time when our planet--and our trade deals--
deserve better.
  Without stronger protections, this trade deal will have catastrophic 
consequences to the environment for many decades to come.
  In order to meaningfully act upon our changing climate, to address 
our warming planet before it is too late, and to save future 
generations from a climate emergency.
  I know that this bill will pass, so I pledge to continue work to 
address climate issues relating to globalization and trade policy.