NEMA Calls On Congress to Pass Legislation for Implementing New Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada
Press Release Summary:
- NEMA cited beneficial aspects to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
- North and south are not only major markets but also supply chain and manufacturing partners
- Congress should approve USMCA so that benefits can be realized as soon as possible
Original Press Release:
NEMA Calls for Passage of USMCA Legislation
Rosslyn, Va., June 5, 2019—Today the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) called on Congress to pass legislation to implement a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. In doing so, NEMA cited the many beneficial aspects of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“Our neighbors to the immediate north and south are not only major markets for our Members’ products but also supply chain and manufacturing partners,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. “We need Congress and the Administration to work together and quickly pass legislation to implement the USMCA.”
“The USMCA, as agreed and signed last year, includes many provisions that advance cooperation with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts to address business costs in North America and boost our global competitiveness,” added NEMA Vice President, Government Relations, Philip Squair. “Congress should act quickly to approve USMCA so that its benefits can be realized as soon as possible.”
The Administration concluded negotiations on the USMCA on September 30, 2018. The three governments signed the new agreement on November 30, 2018. However, before it can enter into force, the federal legislatures in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico must each approve it. In the U.S., the Administration sends legislation to Congress, which will have 90 days to consider and approve it, but not amend it. As of today, the 90-day clock has not yet started.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 325 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Our combined industries account for 360,000 American jobs in more than 7,000 facilities covering every state. These industries produce $106 billion in shipments and $36 billion in exports of electrical equipment and medical imaging technologies per year.
Press contact:
Tracy Cullen
703-841-3282
press@nema.org
