WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. House leadership announced this morning that an agreement has been reached to advance the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). During his freshman term, Rep. Greg Stanton has been pushing for an improved North American trade policy that would benefit Arizona’s economy, and he previously urged a vote by the end of the year.
Stanton issued the following statement in response to the agreement being reached:
I am encouraged that a deal has been reached and look forward to reviewing it in detail. Strong trade relationships with our North American allies is essential to Arizona’s economy, and the USMCA gives us an opportunity to deepen those relationships.
Today, we are one step closer to cementing certainty for job creators throughout Arizona by securing our nation’s market access in Mexico and Canada.
As we near a vote on the USMCA, I will continue to work with Arizona’s business community to ensure they have a voice in this process.
Stanton made growing trade a top priority during his time as Phoenix mayor, galvanizing state and local leaders to work together to rebuild Arizona’s relationship with Mexico. He led 18 trade missions to Mexico and Canada in cooperation with local chambers of commerce and leaders from the business community.
Since 2012, while the nation’s exports grew just 0.1 percent, Phoenix’s exports grew by 20 percent—and today, more than 230,000 Arizona jobs rely on Arizona’s trade relationships with Mexico and Canada. In 2016, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce presented Stanton and the City of Phoenix with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service—the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
In Congress, Stanton has continued to be an outspoken supporter of growing Arizona’s export economy. Last month, Stanton spoke on the House Floor in support of USMCA progress. His remarks are available here.
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. The letter also called for 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, whose member businesses employ nearly 6 percent of Arizona’s workforce. Stanton and Ducey heard from business owners about the importance of trade with Mexico.