WASHINGTON— Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) led a Special Order on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday to highlight the importance of passing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rep. Estes was joined by several lawmakers from around the country while leading the discussion on the House Floor.
"Throughout our district work period, I visited farms, ranches, manufacturing plants and small businesses where people all said the same thing: pass the USMCA now," said Rep. Estes, a member of the USMCA Whip Team. "Overall, the update to NAFTA will create jobs, boost wages and open up new markets for American agriculture and manufacturing. The cost of delaying is too great for our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families."
Watch highlights of the Special Order here.
According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the USMCA will create 176,000 new jobs and increase U.S. GDP by $68 billion. In his remarks, Rep. Estes discussed how the free and fair trade deal will support American agriculture, manufacturing, intellectual property and numerous industries.
For agriculture, the USMCA sets new standards for regulations and biotechnology. It also maintains duty-free access for American farmers in Mexico and provides new access for U.S. wheat, eggs, poultry and dairy. It encourages U.S. manufacturing and higher wages, especially in auto. It also includes new protections for intellectual property, patents and medicines.
Earlier in the day, Rep. Estes met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer along with the USMCA Whip Team to receive an update on the negotiations. In his remarks on the Floor, Rep. Estes thanked Ambassador Lighthizer and the Trump administration for working to secure the USMCA and urged Congress to now do its part.
Watch the entire Special Order here.
Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.
