Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Representative Lucas voted in favor of passing the historic trade deal.

“It’s been more than 25 years since our nation established a trade agreement with our North American neighbors. Today’s vote in the House is a monumental step as America’s farmers, manufactures, and Main Street businesses come one step closer to a 21st century trade deal.

President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer have worked tirelessly to deliver on their promise for a modernized deal that strengthens our trade relationship and benefits nearly every job sector in America. I applaud their leadership and commend them for standing up for workers across the country.

Oklahomans know all too well how important fair-and-free trade with Mexico and Canada is to our economy. In 2018, exports from Oklahoma to our North American neighbors totaled more than $2.4 billion. For Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers, USMCA will tremendously increase export opportunities while strengthening the thousands of jobs supported by trade. With a promise to increase prosperity throughout Oklahoma, USMCA now stands ready to deliver.

While I wish this day would have come 384 days sooner, the passage of USMCA in nonetheless a major victory for North American trade.”

Background:

According to a United States International Trade Commission estimate, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would raise U.S. real GDP by $68.2 billion and U.S. employment by 176,000 new jobs. The Commission also estimates that U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico would increase by $19.1 billion and $14.2 billion, respectively.

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