Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on USMCA

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement on the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement:

"NAFTA has been a disaster for the people I represent. Since NAFTA's passage, Michigan has lost nearly 170,000 jobs. One only needs to drive through older, industrial communities across the Midwest to see vacant and abandoned factories that serve as daily reminders of bad trade deals. Thus, I supported the decision to renegotiate NAFTA. Ultimately, because of the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal and AFL-CIO President Trumka, the USMCA represents an improvement over NAFTA for workers. Although it is far from perfect, I will support USMCA because it is better than the status quo of NAFTA. And let's be clear – that's the choice. Either USMCA, with its flaws, or the disaster that has been NAFTA. I may not like the choice, but that's the choice I have.

"No trade deal, including USMCA, will reverse the job loss of past bad trade deals. But compared to the status quo, USMCA presents an opportunity to improve the lives of American workers by replacing NAFTA and creating new and stronger labor enforcement tools. As a member of Ways and Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee, I will work tirelessly to make sure we enforce this agreement and ensure that Mexico lives up its commitments.

"The status quo of NAFTA is not good enough for the people I represent. Far more needs to be done to protect and advance opportunity for American workers. As an example, Trade Adjustment Assistance, a critical backstop for workers impacted by trade, expires soon. Thus, I intend to lead efforts in Congress to reform and expand the program, especially to help distressed communities. We need to ensure older, industrial cities and towns impacted by bad trade deals like NAFTA are able to compete and win in the twenty-first century economy."

###