Lawmakers like Senator Wicker, Hyde-Smith and Commissioner Gipson, commented on the passage of the USMCA, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
“Passing this agreement is a huge win for our nation’s businesses, workers, and farmers,” Wicker said. “Ratifying the USMCA paves the way for free and fair trade with our neighbors, supporting tens of billions of dollars in economic growth. This deal is a signature accomplishment for President Trump and this Congress.”
“My vote for the USMCA is one of the best I’ve taken because I am certain it will benefit and grow the billions of dollars in trade Mississippi does with our North American neighbors. Agriculture and manufacturing will grow, but improvements in the trade agreement also creates opportunities for e-commerce and small business,” said Hyde-Smith.
“This is a big win for our country and President Trump deserves credit for putting American trade policies on a stronger foundation.”
Hyde-Smith and Wicker both voted with the Senate to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (HR.5430), clearing it for President Trump’s signature. The House passed this legislation in December, but only after House Democrats sat on it for more than a year.
Mississippi trade with Canada and Mexico totaled $3.4 billion in 2018, which represents a significant portion of the state’s overall commerce with foreign nations.
Commissioner Gipson said, “I applaud the passage of USMCA by the U.S. Senate today. USMCA modernizes the trading relationship between the U.S. and two of our most important trading partners: Canada and Mexico. I’m thankful for the efforts of, and votes of support from, Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, as well as the entire Mississippi U.S House delegation for their unanimous support. Last year, Mississippi exported nearly $91 million of agricultural products to Canada, and more than $44 million to Mexico. It is crucial that our farmers, ranchers and agribusiness continue to have access to international markets, and USMCA will be a powerful tool in those pursuits. President Trump has been a champion for this trade deal, and I look forward to him signing it soon.”
