United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the USMCA implementing legislation.

As a member of the working group, I can tell you how far we have come. The original agreement that was sent to Congress was a total failure at protecting workers' rights, providing access to affordable medicine, and protecting our environment. Further, it wasn't enforceable.

The bill we have before us today is the result of tireless work from Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, and the working group members who represented the diverse views of Congress.

With gains achieved through our negotiations, this trade deal will set the standard for all future trade agreements. It is enforceable; it protects workers; it helps address serious environmental issues; and it protects access to affordable medicine.

Finally, I thank the staff, which worked tirelessly to get us to this day. There were a lot of late nights and a lot of weekends sacrificed to reach this deal. Specifically, I thank the Katherines, Katherine Tai and Katherine Monge; the Trade Subcommittee staff, Alexandra Whittaker, John Catalfamo, Julia Friedman, Kate Connor Linton, Katie White, and Keigan Mull; and from my staff, my trade person, Jennifer Goedke.

I commend the Speaker, the chairman, and all the Members who worked so hard to get us here. All of those good things that both sides have been talking about today were not in the first draft that we got from the White House. This is a good bill because we made it a good bill. I ask everybody to support this bill.

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