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Smucker Supports United States – Mexico – Canada (USMCA) Agreement

December 19, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Lloyd Smucker issued the following statement in support of today's vote on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

"Today I am proud to finally vote on the USMCA. The new United States- Mexico- Canada Agreement, negotiated by President Trump and his team is a big win for Pennsylvania and the people of Lancaster and York Counties. This trade agreement is an improvement over NAFTA in virtually every way. The deal will add more than 176,000 new jobs, over $68 billion in new economic activity, and create new opportunities for Americans in every sector of our economy." Smucker said.

"This agreement is tremendously important for PA-11, specifically due to the new dairy and poultry market access in Canada. During the meetings I hosted with Trade Ambassador Lighthizer, Larry Kudlow and Peter Navarro, the President's top trade negotiators, I shared that Lancaster County is one of the top dairy-producing counties in the nation and the over 1,700 dairy farm operations in Lancaster represent a quarter of the dairy farms across Pennsylvania. Lancaster County is also one of the most productive in the nation for broilers, poultry, and eggs. The Trump administration listened to our concerns and under the USMCA Canada would eliminate their price control systems which effectively locked-out America's dairy industry."

"At a time when many of our exporting businesses are facing uncertainty, the USMCA will expand access to critical markets in both Mexico and Canada. Both of these neighboring countries purchase more U.S.- made goods than our next to 10 trading partners combined. The USMCA will further foster this continental relationship, ensuring a future of long-term growth for American businesses. The strength of this agreement will also give President Trump and his administration more leverage in trade negotiations with China."

Additionally, the bill brings our North American trade agreement into the 21st century by including provisions on digital trade, and intellectual property for the first time. This new agreement will improve and modernize trade for American farmers, American manufacturers, and every one of my constituents in PA-11.

One of the President's priorities was to deliver an improved, stronger version of the North American Free Trade Agreement and I congratulate him for delivering on this promise. We are now one step closer to making the USMCA a reality. I remain confident it will pass with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate and become law," Smucker concluded.

Issues:Trade