Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today issued the following statement after voting to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“This is an important win for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s manufacturing workers and farmers,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Today we passed a modern trade deal with fair, enforceable labor standards that empowers hardworking Americans and puts their interests first. It also opens Canadian markets for dairy farmers in our area, helping them reach new customers and grow their businesses.

“While this agreement cannot right the wrongs of the original NAFTA overnight, it is my hope that the USMCA will serve as a blueprint in future trade negotiations with other countries so the same mistakes are not made again. I am pleased that we are advancing a deal that expands market access and sets fairer terms of trade throughout North America.”

Over the past year, House Democrats and the Trump administration engaged in negotiations to improve upon the initial deal that the White House presented to Congress in November 2018. As a result, the USMCA passed by the House today includes strong labor enforcement mechanisms and measures to preserve Congress’ ability to improve access to affordable medicines.

More information on the USMCA can be found here.