USMCA Passes In The House, Dairy Leaders Urge Senate Action
The House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the U.S. Canada Mexico Agreement (USMCA) with a vote of 385-41. The agreement between the three North American countries has been in negotiation for well over a year, and will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Farmers and agriculture industry leaders have touted the benefits of the new deal for months.
“USMCA will bring tangible benefits to the U.S. dairy industry by upgrading trade rules, opening the Canadian market to U.S. dairy exports and preserving our valuable market access in Mexico,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of U.S. Dairy Export Council. “Today’s bipartisan vote is indicative of the need to immediately secure these benefits for dairy and all of agriculture.”
Dairy farmers are among those who will receive the greatest benefits from the deal.
Because of that, leaders are urging the Senate to finalize the deal.
“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. “It is imperative that the Senate act now to finalize USMCA.”
However, it’s unlikely the Senate vote will happen until 2020. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), said the Senate will take up the vote after his chamber finishes the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
