By Congressman Markwayne Mullin 
The United States is in the best neighborhood on the planet and our neighbors are our best customers. Canada is the number one market for exports and Mexico is number two, both nationally and in Oklahoma. Oklahoma exports $1.4 billion worth of goods and services to Canada and $527 million to Mexico, accounting for nearly 40 percent of Oklahoma’s total exports. Over 100,000 Oklahoma jobs rely on our trade with these two countries. These statistics make it clear that trade with our North American neighbors is critical to our economy and job market.
For too long, American consumers and producers have been at a disadvantage because of the outdated and unfair North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). President Trump promised the American people a better trade deal with our North American trading partners and he delivered. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) brings us into the 21st century and puts America first. It will positively impact the lives of countless workers, business owners, farmers, and families in Oklahoma and across our country.
The USMCA was signed nearly seven months ago, on November 30, 2018, by the leaders of the three countries. Under the Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act (TPA), it’s up to Congress to enact this agreement. But Speaker Pelosi has yet to bring it to the House Floor for consideration. What are we waiting for?
Every day we delay approving the agreement, we hurt American farmers, ranchers, workers, manufacturers, and businesses. The USMCA will bring home American jobs and continue to grow our economy. According to a study from the International Trade Commission, the USMCA would add $68.2 billion to the U.S. economy and create 176,000 new jobs. Auto workers are missing out on $34 billion in investment in their industry. American dairy, wheat, chicken, egg and turkey producers are missing out on expanded access to Canadian customers. Just last week, nearly 1,000 agricultural groups called on Congress to ratify the USMCA citing the benefits the deal brings to the industry.
The American people should not have to wait any longer. It’s time to seal the deal. Speaker Pelosi needs to put politics aside and work with Republicans to deliver this win for our country.
