The United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, or USMCA, faces new hurdles as it moves to a vote in Congress next year. Although the vote will be made under “fast track” rules which will not allow for amendments, lawmakers can make changes until the White House sends an official packet to Capitol Hill.
General Motors’ announcement that it plans to idle four plants in the U.S. and its investments for vehicle production in Mexico and China have given some lawmakers pause over the trade deal, however, according to an Automotive News (subscription required) report on Monday.
Specifically, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., said the decision to idle the plants and produce the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer in Mexico highlights the fact that USMCA does not address NAFTA’s core problems. She told the publication, “I am going to make sure we’re writing trade agreements that level the playing field for the working men and women of this country, and that we’re keeping jobs here, not making it easier to keep shipping jobs overseas.”
She added the GM announcement gives her more concerns.
Numerous lawmakers and unions blasted GM for its announcement that the automaker will build the 2019 Blazer in Mexico. The announcement was also made the same day the Lordstown plant in Ohio lost its second shift, which laid off hundreds of workers in the process. Today, we know drew up plans to idle the plant and looks to close the facility next year.
Any changes to the trade agreement will need Canada and Mexico’s approval, but those who watch Congress closely said it will be a challenge. And President Trump must OK any changes. Lawmakers also fear a scenario where President Trump could shoot down any changes and announce the U.S. withdrawal from NAFTA, which would leave no three-way trade agreement in place.
Despite all of the potential drama, it’s expected Congress will pass USMCA in some form by next summer.
Comments
So wait, the same scum Democrats (but I repeat myself) who refused to support Trump in renegotiating NAFTA (and in fact did everything they could to disparage him and sabotage his efforts) are now complaining that the renegotiation didn’t go far enough? Damn, I wish I had such nerve!
The Democrats had nothing to do with this. It is all on Trump, his tariffs and his trade wars. GM is going away as we know it. It is just the beginning. Are you tired of winning yet?
Brian, you’re either very dumb, illiterate or didn’t read the article. Maybe all three. The point is Trump’s renegotiated NAFTA (AMACA) is a far better deal for US auto jobs. The Dems resisted the NAFTA renegotiation, which gave us (the US) these better terms, but are now complaining that Trump didn’t go far enough! Capish? Get it now? As for winning, yes the USA is winning with Trump, and by USA I mean the working people, not the globalist parasites, and I’m loving it! If you’re suggesting that the closure of D-Ham and Lordstown had anything to do with Trump policies, I suggest you go educate yourself on the auto business, specifically the shift from cars to CUV/SUVs…