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Congressman Panetta Statement on the USMCA Agreement

December 10, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal announced a deal with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer on the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.

"I am encouraged by the agreement announced by Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Neal this morning. I am appreciative of the efforts of the Working Group to negotiate a better deal than both NAFTA and the renegotiated USMCA of 2018, which fell short of our expectations. The group has worked hard to include in the agreement strong, enforceable standards that protect our environment and our workers, and preserve access to affordable medicines. Prior to voting on this hemispheric agreement, I look forward to reviewing the final text of the legislation that can be looked upon as a template for future U.S. trade agreements."

In October, Congressman Panetta, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, traveled with a Congressional Delegation to Mexico to meet with government officials and local workers regarding important improvements to the deal.