Washington, DC—Today, Rep. Ron Kind released the following statement after Speaker Pelosi announced that a deal has been reached with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer:

“I’m glad that Congress and this Administration have reached an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). For months, my colleagues and I have worked and advocated for a trade deal that will ensure a level playing field for Wisconsin workers and farmers, keep jobs in the United States, and make this deal enforceable. Without enforceability, the gains achieved for workers and families would not exist and Wisconsin farmers would not have been guaranteed access to the Canadian dairy market.

“The work that has been done around this deal is a great example of what can be accomplished when people work across the aisle to get things done. The bipartisan efforts, changes to labor standards, increases in enforceability measures, and the solidifying of agricultural access should all serve as a baseline for how future trade agreements will be drafted. Raising standards in trade agreements to level the playing field for workers, farmers, and businesses is vital so we are not trying to compete in a race to the bottom that will jeopardize jobs in America. Trade relationships are never finished–especially with our closest neighbors and allies–and I look to this as a renewed commitment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and will continue to work on these vital matters to advance a North American economy that creates good-paying jobs and is in line with our values.

“I look forward to closely reviewing the revised text–and as long as the new version of USMCA meets the standards we’ve fought for–I look forward to working with my colleagues to getting this agreement across the finish line.”

Rep. Ron Kind worked tirelessly for years to push for the following to be included in the new USMCA trade agreement:

  • Eliminated Canada’s class 7 dairy program, creating guaranteed access to the Canadian dairy market for Wisconsin farmers.
  • Improved Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards for farmers
  • Increased labor and environmental standards
  • Created a digital chapter for the 21st Century
  • Faster and more enforceable dispute settlement process
Print Friendly, PDF & Email