Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that House Democrats and the Trump administration have worked out their issues on the USMCA, but she wants to see it in writing before declaring victory.

“We are within range of a substantially improved agreement for America’s workers. Now, we need to see our progress in writing from the Trade Representative for final review,” Pelosi said in a statement.


U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had a sit-down with Pelosi and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) late last week to discuss the last sticking points with the NAFTA update. They did not strike a deal then but committed to continuing talks this week in an effort to finish negotiations.

Pelosi and Democrats have repeatedly said they need to be sure the new pact includes stronger enforcement mechanisms before a House vote could be held.

“The NAFTA 2.0 draft lacked the concrete, effective enforcement mechanisms needed to ensure that the agreement became more than a list of promises on paper,” Pelosi said.

Lighthizer has been negotiating with a group of nine House Democrats since June to address Democrats’ four major areas of concern: enforcement, labor and environmental standards, as well as prescription drug pricing.


Lighthizer’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of the deal.

The Trump administration and supporters of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on Capitol Hill and in the private sector have long wanted Congress to pass the deal before the end of the year.

Even if Democrats and the Trump administration formally announce a deal before the end of November, Pelosi has already cast doubt that Congress has enough time to pass the pact this year. Numerous steps must be carried out even after an agreement is reached with Lighthizer.

The House has only eight official session days left in the 2019 calendar year, although lawmakers are expected to stay on an extra week in December to resolve budget issues and avert a government shutdown. Some Democrats, including Neal, remain hopeful that the USMCA will pass this year.

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Any deal between Democrats and the Trump administration must be approved by Mexico and Canada. Canada is expected to accept changes to the USMCA text without issue.


Mexican officials have said they’re optimistic the changes will be acceptable to them, but they've also cautioned that very “intrusive” enforcement measures will not be accepted. Some progressive Democrats and labor leaders have been vocal in pushing to get certain provisions added to the deal that Mexico says would be a threat to the country’s sovereignty.

The administration also has to put together the formal implementing legislation that will be sent to Congress. After that, the bill will be marked up and Pelosi can call it up for a vote.

The California Democrat has been under increased pressure in recent weeks to strike a compromise on the USMCA as moderate Democrats — particularly from districts Trump won in the 2016 election — have become more vocal about their desire to pass the deal.