United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, this agreement is good for moving more commerce across our three countries. It means more jobs, and it means lower prices for consumers. That is especially important in Texas where the original NAFTA was signed only a few blocks from my San Antonio office: Mexico, our top trading partner; Canada, our second.

Some were so eager for this commerce that would be produced by continuing NAFTA that they were willing to accept most any agreement. But, we insisted that we get a much-improved agreement to address the legitimate concerns of those who raised objection to previous agreements.

What we have today is an initial step, an important step, toward achieving a truly 21st century trade agreement that not only encourages trade but protects the environment and recognizes the legitimate concerns of workers. This victory results from major changes in what President Trump proposed 14 months ago.

First, we secured additional funding for the North American Development Bank, the NAD Bank, based in San Antonio, which is important in addressing especially environmental concerns.

Second, and very significantly, we deleted the horrible Big Pharma power grab to extend its monopoly power for prescription price gouging.

Third, each country was forced to take all necessary measures to comply with multilateral environmental agreements which take precedence over trade. This includes an additional recent agreement to dramatically reduce heat-trapping chemicals. In 2021, when we have a new president who actually believes in science, the agreement will facilitate, not impede, our response to the climate crisis.

And, finally, instead of platitudes, we have an enforceable agreement to address worker concerns. Let's celebrate a major step forward in building broad public support for trade.

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