Congressman Jimmy Gomez Statement on the House Passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act

Statement

Today, in response to the House passage of H.R. 5430 -- the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act -- Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), a member of the House Democratic Working Group on trade, released the following statement:

"I began my political career advocating for our country's proud labor movement -- working for both the United Nurses Association of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees -- and it was with them and their dignity in mind that I pursued meaningful improvements to our trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairman Richard Neal, our working group was successful in brokering an agreement that not only recognized the value of America's workers, but also secured measurable and profound progress in the areas of enforcement, prescription drugs, and the environment.

"This unprecedented trade agreement was made possible through the fortitude and resolve of the members of the House Democratic Working Group. We refused to adhere to an arbitrary timetable in the name of political expediency, and ultimately, turned President Donald Trump's original trade deal -- considered weak in almost every measure -- into a real agreement with teeth.

"The claims by Congressional Republicans and the White House that today's vote was a win for the president and his party represent a myopic take on the final product and the process that brought it to fruition. This agreement isn't a life raft for President Donald Trump. Passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act today symbolized a victory for the American people. It's much bigger than any person or party.

"While we didn't get everything we wanted in this agreement -- as is expected with any multilateral negotiation of this magnitude -- the achievements secured in this deal by the House Democratic Working Group were leaps and bounds from where we started on our first day. Fortunately, my House Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to addressing some of the areas we hoped to strengthen through the legislative process, including climate change provisions and greater enforcement of environmental safeguards. And as a proud member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I am encouraged by the reality that this deal is the floor -- not the ceiling -- for future progressive trade agreements.

"I'm deeply appreciative of Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Neal for giving me the opportunity to take part in this historic trade agreement, one that will have a substantive impact of communities across the country for generations to come."

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