Congressman Lowenthal Statement On Passage Of USMCA Trade Bill

Statement

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) issued the following statement regarding his vote today against H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, which would implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

"My Democratic colleagues and Speaker Pelosi deserve credit for their relentless focus on key priorities for American workers and consumers. Because of their efforts, the USMCA is undoubtedly stronger than the agreement President Trump put forward last year. They eliminated the agreement's giveaway to the pharmaceutical industry and won important provisions to protect labor and environmental standards in Mexico. These include tough new enforcement mechanisms to make certain that the promises of USMCA to raise wages and improve working conditions in Mexico are realized.

"However, it is critical to note that the agreement lacks binding, enforceable commitments to curb harmful emissions. Our continent must grapple with the global climate crisis and enact bold solutions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. That is why I voted against H.R. 5430. It is vital that future trade agreements include these provisions, and I intend to push the next president to add the Paris Agreement commitments to the USMCA during their first 100 days."

H.R.5430 passed the House by a vote of 385-41 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. President Trump has announced he intends to sign the bill into law if it passes the Senate.

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