Republican Governors Call for Congress to Pass USMCA

WASHINGTON - Twenty-eight Republican governors, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, sent U.S. congressional leaders today a letter urging passage of the United States-Mexic-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The text of the letter is below and the original copy can be found by clicking here.

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, and Leader Schumer,

As governors, we support smart and strategic trade agreements that promote economic growth in our states and expand opportunities for our workers, farmers, and manufacturers. Nearly 25 years after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is time to update our trade policies with two of our most critical trading partners. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a comprehensive, 21st century trade agreement that protects workers across the nation, establishes a level playing field among the United States and our partners, and encourages free and fair trade.

Completion of the trade agreement is critical to our states as we seek to boost economic development and encourage new investment that leads to job creation. The USMCA modernizes our trade agreement with Canada and Mexico to account for stronger protections for trade secrets, intellectual property, anticorruption, and digital trade. The USMCA also expands access to markets for our farmers and ranchers and reduces barriers for agricultural markets. Beyond that, the USMCA strengthens prohibitions on the importation of goods produced by forced labor and ensures stronger protections for migrant workers.

As chief executives of our states, we urge Congress to pass the USMCA quickly so American workers can begin reaping the benefits of improved trade with our North American neighbors. Passing the agreement quickly will give our small and large businesses the stability and predictability they need to expand, invest, and create more jobs.

We are committed to working with you as well as the President to ensure that the USMCA is ratified this Congress. We look forward to expanding the opportunities for our states to engage and prosper in international trade while continuing our longstanding partnerships with Canada and Mexico.

Sincerely,

[The signatories]