WASHINGTON, D.C.—After months of advocating for an improved North American trade policy, Rep. Greg Stanton today helped advance the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the finish line. The U.S. House passed the agreement with a 385 to 41 vote.
Stanton spoke in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, during today’s debate.
“Those of us in border states understand the value of trading with our neighbors, and I can tell you that growing trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is essential to Arizona—and this new agreement will offer a big lift to our local companies,” Stanton said. “Today we have a real opportunity to cement certainty for job creators. From multinational companies to mid-sized and small businesses, from tech workers to farm workers, there’s no doubt that the new USMCA is a win for all Arizonans.”
Stanton has ramped up his advocacy for strong trade relationships from his time as Phoenix Mayor to Congress.
Last month, Stanton spoke on the House Floor in support of USMCA progress.
In July, Stanton signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for continued negotiations with the Administration to secure the United States’ relationship with Canada and Mexico—and a vote on the agreement before the end of the year.
Stanton and Gov. Doug Ducey hosted a tele-town hall over the summer with the National Association of Manufacturers to hear from business owners about the importance of trade with Mexico. Earlier this week, Stanton shared stories from 10 Arizona businesses and trade associations calling on Congress to support the USMCA.
The agreement now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Stanton’s full remarks on the floor are below and video is available here.
Thank you to the Gentleman for yielding.
Passing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is essential to creating new jobs and strengthening the economy of my home state of Arizona.
Those of us in border states understand the value of trading with our neighbors, and I can tell you that growing trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is essential to Arizona—and this new agreement will offer a big lift to our local companies.
Already in Arizona, nearly 230,000 jobs rely on across-the-border commerce. That means 230,000 paychecks buying holiday gifts, 230,000 paychecks putting food on the table for their families, and 230,000 paychecks contributing to the state’s economy.
Today we have a real opportunity to cement certainty for job creators. From multinational companies to mid-sized and small businesses, from tech workers to farm workers, there’s no doubt that the new USMCA is a win for all Arizonans.
This is a bipartisan agreement. And it sets a new standard for creating trade rules that are enforceable, good for American workers, and effectively consider how business is done in the 21st century.
And, importantly, it reasserts Congress’s role in trade policy.
Thank you Chairman Neal and the working group for your hard work to get this agreement across the finish line and delivering a win for Arizona and the American people.
And with that I yield back.