Ranking Ag Senator Suggests Pumping Brakes on USMCA

The Senate Ag Committee’s ranking member suggests lawmakers pump the breaks on passing the proposed NAFTA replacement this year. Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow says while she recognizes the support and energy behind passing USMCA, she doesn’t see a significant boost when compared to the current deal with Mexico and Canada.

Stabenow said nothing President Trump is doing with tariffs is stopped by USMCA. She says uncertainty in the markets has stemmed from tariffs, trade wars, and efforts within the Trump administration…

Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that a labor deal in USMCA was “imminent,” but suggested this week that ratifying the agreement could be delayed into 2020. Meanwhile, several lawmakers are suggesting the House stay in session an extra week to consider the deal, and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue warned that the idea of not passing USMCA is “an evil thought.”