Rep. Kelly Applauds New Trade Deal to Replace NAFTA
Kelly serves on Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee
and President’s Export Council
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – issued the following statement today regarding the successful completion of negotiations to replace the North-American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a new deal known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“I strongly congratulate President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer on securing a new and far better trade agreement with our neighbors to the north and south. This is a major win for American workers, jobs, consumers, and small businesses in Western Pennsylvania and all over our country. By effectively beginning the repeal and replacement of NAFTA, this administration has once again made history by defying the expectations of many and doing what others only pledged to do. As my staff and I continue to review the details of the agreement, we will make certain that it supports our industries, such as dairy and manufacturing, and that it meets the rigorous standards set by Trade Promotion Authority. The role of Congress in ratifying trade deals is one that I take very seriously and will perform with the upmost care. It is good news like today’s trade announcement that has already sent our economy skyrocketing and will continue to inspire confidence in the future.”
IMPORTANT: Since last year, in meetings and letters, Rep. Kelly has personally advocated for a provision in the USMCA to permit home shopping programming services to distribute into Canada to allow access of Pennsylvania companies to the Canadian retail consumer market. This provision was successfully included in the text of USMCA released this morning (chapter 15, page, 21). It will directly benefit every small business in Pennsylvania that sells its products via QVC (a PA-based company) and similar shopping platforms. A copy of the Kelly-led letter to the Ambassador of Canada from November 2017 can be viewed here.
NOTE: The full text of the USMCA can be viewed here.
The following guidance documents are courtesy of the White House:
Agriculture: Market Access and Dairy Outcomes of the USMC Agreement
Rebalancing Trade to Support Manufacturing
Strengthening North American Trade in Agriculture
Modernizing NAFTA into a 21st Century Trade Agreement
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