House Democrats are reportedly prepared to hand President Donald Trump a major win before the end of the year by passing the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaces the old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“We are moving positively in terms of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, again it all comes down to enforcement,” Pelosi said on Thursday. “I do believe that if we can get this to the place it needs to be — which is imminent — that this can be a template for future trade agreements. A good template.”

“I’d like to see us get it done this year, I mean, that would be my goal,” Pelosi added.

Last month, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro slammed Pelosi during an interview on FOX Business’ “Mornings with Maria.”

“She fiddles while the USMCA is in the deep freeze,” Navarro said. “The false narrative here is this whole issue about labor enforcement. That problem’s effectively been solved.”

The USMCA is a modernization of the 24-year-old NAFTA agreement and “will support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America,” the Office of the United States Trade Representative said in a statement.

The Trump administration showcased the following highlights after securing the deal in 2018:

American auto manufacturers and workers will benefit from new rules of origin requiring 75 percent of auto content to be produced in North America. The new agreement will incentivize billions of dollars in additional United States vehicle and auto parts production. Workers will also benefit from rules that will incentivize the use of high-wage manufacturing labor in the auto sector, supporting better jobs for American workers.

USMCA’s labor chapter represents the strongest labor provisions of any trade agreement. USMCA’s labor chapter is a core part of the agreement and will make the labor provisions fully enforceable.

USMCA is a win for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness as it includes important improvements that will enable food and agriculture to trade more fairly. Canada will eliminate its “Class 7” program that allows low-priced dairy ingredients to undersell American dairy products. Canada will provide new access for American dairy products, eggs, and poultry.

The new agreement includes a modernized, high-standard chapter that provides strong protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. This includes 10 years of data protection for biologic drugs and a large scope of products eligible for protection.

USMCA contains the strongest measures on digital trade of any agreement. This includes rules to ensure data can be transferred cross-border and to minimize limits on where data can be stored.



Officials and business leaders across the U.S. have since pressed for the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives to pass the trade agreement.

“Illinois stands to benefit in every way with USMCA. Illinois’ farmers, ranchers, and workers are some of the most productive in the world and the future looks bright with USMCA,” Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. “Now it’s up to Congress to take the next step and ratify USMCA as soon as they return from the August Recess.”

“If ratified by Congress, USMCA would be a boon for Iowa and the entire country,” Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) said. “The importance of trade with our North American neighbors can’t be understated. It accounts for nearly one-third of our nation’s agricultural exports, totaling over $40 billion and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.”

“The International Trade Commission predicts that the USMCA would create 176,000 new jobs and increase U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico by $19 billion and $14 billion, respectively,” Nicole Wolter, President of HM Manufacturing, said. “The advantages of passing the USMCA are undeniable. The USMCA will expand Americans’ access to the Canadian and Mexican markets, enable greater global competitiveness and increase American economic prosperity. It will support hardworking Americans who have jobs in manufacturing, both in Illinois and other parts of the country.”